KATHMANDU: The Secretariat of the CPN (Unified Socialist) convened a meeting on Friday following the release of its Chair and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Wednesday, who was freed on bail after being charged with financial irregularities for allegedly granting land to Patanjali Yogpeeth.

The party’s Secretariat meeting was held at the central office in Aloknagar, where Chairman Nepal delivered an address.

Prominent leaders including Senior Leader Jhala Nath Khanal and Senior Vice-Chairman Rajendra Pandey were also present.

Despite facing corruption charges, Nepal continues to preside over both the party and the parliamentary committee meetings.

Speaking during Friday’s meeting, which marked his first public appearance since his release, Nepal addressed the charges against him as well as recent actions of the government.

The Special Court bench comprising Judges Tej Narayan Singh Raya, Ram Bahadur Thapa, and Bidur Koirala ordered his release on bail on Wednesday following a detention hearing.