Quote Unquote (Spotlight Weekly)

"My decision is in the interest of the country, democracy and the Nepali Congress."

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, defending his decision to dissolve the House of Representatives, in The Kathmandu Post.

* * *

"I smell conspiracy in the manner in which Prime Minister Deuba's recommendation for the dissolution of the House of Representatives was so swiftly endorsed."

Girija Prasad Koirala, president of ruling Nepali Congress party, charging Deuba of undermining democracy (by the decision to dissolve the House), addressing his party workers, in Kantipur.

* * *

"I am hopeful that the party president will withdraw action against the Prime Minister within a week."

Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, senior Congress leader expressing optimism that the ruling party will sail over the current crisis, in a statement.

* * *

"Now that the election date has been announced, there is no alternative but to make every efforts to conduct it in free and fair manner."

Madhav Kumar Nepal, general secretary of the Unified Marxist Leninist, urging his party workers to get ready for the polls.

* * *

"Deubaji is an elected Prime Minister who enjoys majority in the Congress parliamentary party. Any action against him is bound to have severe repercussions."

Ram Chandra Poudel, senior Congress leader, who is engaged in resolving the present crisis in the ruling party amicably, saying that the party should withdraw actions against Deuba.

* * *

"Make no mistake. The UML is going to win the next election."

Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, senior leader of the UML, speaking at a public program.

* * *

"We are hopeful that the general convention will resolve the issue judiciously."

Khum Bahadur Khadka, Home Minister, talking to reporters.

* * *

"The announcement of general election at a time when local elections could not be held, has raised a number of questions."

Amod Prasad Upadhyaya, Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare, who resigned recently citing differences with the Prime Minister's decision to dissolve the House of Representatives.

* * *