NEPALI CONGRESS
Divided House
A strong section of Nepali Congress is struggling to save its image as a centrist party
By A CORRESPONDENT
As soon as the meeting of Nepali Congress parliamentary party began on last Thursday (2 November) at Prime Minister’s residence Baluwatar, former minister and assistant general secretary Govinda Raj Joshi began his statement raising the question over the party’s deviation towards the left.
Joshi was not alone to raise the objections on the working style of party’s present functionaries, - there were other dozen members of Nepali Congress who backed the argument put forth by former minister Joshi. From general secretary K.B. Gurung to MP Binaya Dhoj Chanda, Chakra Prasad Bastola and central committee member Sunil Kumar Bhandari to Laxman Ghimire and Gopal Pahadi, all of them expressed concerns over Nepali Congress bowing down before the Maoists.
In the two hour meeting, the members criticized the policy formulated by general secretary Ram Chandra Poudel, central committee member Arjun Narsingh K.C and Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula.
Almost all members present at the meeting were said to be very critical on the role played by Home Minister Sitaula. Although prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala finally took the responsibility of deteriorating law and order situation of the country, most of the speakers demanded the resignation of home minister.
Central committee member Joshi who has backed prime minister Koirala all the time reportedly raised the case of humiliated and demoralized army, armed police and Nepal Police in front of Maoists. Joshi – who claimed that he and other colleagues are not anti-peace group - urged the party leadership not to deviate from its centrist role and identity.
Similarly, general secretary K.B. Gurung also was critical about the role of home minister and stressed the need to follow the centrist role in coming political battle when extreme rights and leftists are coming with strong backing.
Central committee member Sunil Bhandari expressed the need for Nepali Congress to follow the path of reconciliation followed by B.P. Koirala. Although the meeting took note about the objection raised by members of Nepali Congress, it is yet to decide what its position would be in the forthcoming elections for CA.
At a time when the Maoists are participating in the forthcoming elections for CA, there is a very rare possibility that Nepali Congress workers will get the opportunity to participate in the election process in a fair manner.
Although Nepali Congress leader and prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala is leading the negotiation to bring peace in the country, many party workers are expressing resentment over the way Nepali Congress is giving up its stand in front of Maoists.
In its history, Nepali Congress has seen many ups and downs in its ideology and stand. As a centrist party, it has advantage of accommodating all kinds of views. From republican Narahari Acharya to rightist monarchist, all are there in the party. Despite their differences over issues, Narahari to Chakra and others are supporting Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala.
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