Koirala told to take steps for party unity
Without a party, I cannot contest election: Deuba

Kathmamndu, June 2 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, during a meeting today with the Nepali Congess general committee and general convention representatives and representatives of the party’s various bodies and active members at his residence, said he stood for party unity.

Stating that the initiative for party unity should come from the party president Girija Prasad Koirala himself, the Prime Minister said that he could not become a candidate without a party in the upcoming general elections.

"I am a person who has worked continuously for democracy. Attempts have been made by the party’s central executive body to assasinate my character by labelling unnecessary allegations against me", he said.

He alleged that Koirala’s actions were undemocratic and said that people not agreeing with him were being sidelined. He pointed out the need for all the Congress people to forge ahead for the protection of democratic values in the party.

"I have garnered support from all the friendly countries in favour of Nepal in the fight against terrorism. I am engaged in the task of strengthening democracy by defeating terrorism. Instead of fully backing me at such a time, the party has done just the opposite, the Prime Minister explained.

Twenty-eight general committee members and general convention members, including Minister for General Administration Khem Raj Bhatta Mayalu and former minister Dhundi Raj Shastri expressed their views on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Deuba told another gathering of NC workers that the enemies of democracy are those who have created obstructions in his campaign of ridding the country of terrorism.

Addressing NC workers of Gandaki, Dhaulagiri and Narayani zones at his residence in Baluwatar today, Prime Minister Deuba said that it was a matter of sorrow that obstructions have been created from within the Nepali Congress. And this has come at a time when the institution of the Crown, the Nepali Congress and the security forces had to unite against terrorism.

Stating that it was his responsibility to wipe out the Maoist terrorists who were killing NC workers and weakening democracy, Deuba alleged that the persons not allowing the government to wipe out the enemies of the people and democracy were actualles helping terrorism.

Prime Minister Deuba accused the party of devastating the faith of the people by expelling him from the party instead of encouraging him. "Thus at a time when international cooperation and support are being received to end terrorism and develop the country".

Recalling that the NC had suffered badly in the local body elections held in 2053 B.S. as a result of the works carried out to topple his government, Deuba said that the party leadership had not extended cooperation in his fight against terrorism.

Questioning how justifiable it was to expel an honest party worker who had joined the Nepali Congress at an early age, Deuba said that he was in favour of unity within the party and wished to develop the NC into a party of self-esteemed workers.

On the occasion, the party workers stressed the need to revoke the action taken against the prime minister, free the party from factions and vested interests, extend full cooperation to the government in its fight against terrorism, and for the government and party to unite and move ahead for the elections.

Likewise, NC workers from Lumbini, Rapti and Bheri zones were scheduled to meet the prime minister today.

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