NC dissidents threaten signature campaign

Published On: April 5, 2019 05:30 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 5: The crisis in Nepali Congress shows little sign of fading away soon as a conclave of dissident district presidents ended Thursday with a warning to launch a nationwide signature campaign to end the 'cartel' of a small clique in the general convention.

The two-day Kathmandu conclave attended by 41 NC district presidents called on the party leadership to scrap a provision that automatically turns the central committee members into general convention representatives.

During the party Mahasamiti meeting, NC leadership, responding to calls of NC district presidents, had pledged to scrap a clause which by default turns CC members into general convention representatives and end repetition of old faces under proportional and inclusive quota. But the party CC meeting had endorsed the statute without addressing the concerns.

“We are still hopeful that our concerns would be addressed through necessary changes in the party statute. If that didn't happen, we will continue our struggle,” said NC leader Jagadish Narsing KC.

But NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba has ruled out the possibility of changes in the party statute. He has instead challenged the dissident leaders to organize the special general convention.

“Let them hold special general convention if they have the strength. I am ready to face it,” Deuba told reporter as he described the conclave as a gathering of a bunch of dissident leaders.

The conclave has been seen as yet another proof of party president's Deuba loosening grasp over the party. Deuba is facing equally big pressure from various factions of the party, especially after the party suffered stinging defeat in the provincial and parliamentary elections.

Last month, four different factions led by Ram Chandra Paudel, Krishna Sitaula, Shashank Koirala and Prakash Man Singh had joined hands to challenge Deuba, signaling a two-sided battle in the next general convention. Despite spending three years in office, Deuba has not been able to give full shape to various party committees.