Press Chautari Nepal, padlocked the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) of Banke Branch, on March 28, alleging that the central office of the FNJ of distributing membership in an illegal and politically biased manner. FNJ was padlocked after the names of non-journalists in the Banke district were included in the voter list issued for the election on April 7.

Chautari clarified that they will not allow the election of this branch unless there is a hearing on the issue of adding new members, implementation of the branch's recommendation, immediate correction of the misconduct and mandatory approval of the branch in case of transfer of membership.