KATHMANDU, Oct 16: Ruling Nepali Congress (NC) and Nepal Democratic Forum led by Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar have reached an agreement to unite the party.
The two parties are officially announcing their unity at 11 am Monday amid a special ceremony to be held at the prime minister's official residence in Baluwatar.
NC, NDF unify, formally
A long time NC leader, Gachchhadar had decided to sever his ties with the NC before the first Constituent Assembly election held in April 2008 and joined Madhesi People's Rights Forum (MPRF)-led by Upendra Yadav. Later, he had formed a separate party called Madhesi People's Forum Nepal (Democratic), splitting from the MRPF.
Gachchhadar now heads Nepal Democratic Forum, formed after the merger with various parties including Janamukti Party (Democratic), Tharuhat Tarai Party, Dalit Janajati Party, Nagarik Party and Shanti Party.
Although the NC and NDF engaged in negotiation for long to settle the number of poll candidates in their electoral alliance, they could not make the final agreement till Sunday evening. According to an NC leader, NC has agreed to ensure “appropriate representation” of the party in the upcoming polls.
Sources said the NC has agreed to field candidacies of five NDF leaders for the federal poll. Gachchhadar has demanded vice presidential portfolio for himself and the Central Working Committee membership of the NC for many of his senior leaders.
