KATHMANDU, Oct 11: The main opposition Nepali Congress (NC), has said that preparations by the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) to hold by-election in Kathmandu constituency 7 in a bid to elect defeated candidate Bamdev Gautam will invite political instability.

When asked about his party's reaction to the by-election preparations, NC spokesman Bishwa Prakash Sharma said Gautam's insistence on contesting by-election by 'forcing' an elected member to step down was ridiculous.

“When senior NC leaders like Ram Chandra Paudel, Bimalendra Nidhi, Purna Bahadur Khadka and Krishna Prasad Sitaula are outside the parliament after losing the elections, I wonder why is Gautam so desperate to get back into parliament. If he is eying prime ministership this means the ruling NCP is inviting fresh political instability in the country,” said Sharma.

Although Nepali Congress stands to gain from the by-election in various ways, this does not augur well for the country. -- NC spokesman Bishwa Prakash Sharma

By-election in Kathmandu constituency 7 has been a hot topic in various public forums including on the social media after elected lawmaker from the constituency, Rambir Manandhar, submitted resignation to the party on Tuesday apparently to pave way for Gautam to contest in the by-election. Gautam is reportedly desperate for reelection and eventually become prime minister with tacit support from NCP Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Sharma also asked if NCP leaders in parliament were unable to run the government in Gautam's absence. “Is it that other NCP leaders are incapable of doing what Gautam can do? Why would an elected lawmaker resign to pave way for electing a defeated candidate? This is a breach of trust by Manandhar with the electorate,” he said.

Asked about potential NC candidates in the event of a by-election taking place, Sharma said his party wishes that the by-election does not take place. "Although NC stands to gain from the by-election in various ways, this does not augur well for the country," he said.

 
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