He was speaking at a meeting of the former leaders from the Ekata Kendra Masal at the quarters of Maoist Chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha in Pulchowk on Monday. [break]
"Yes, constitution assembly failed to promulgate a new constitution. But party leadership and party line have not failed. Constitution writing process has not ended, it has only been prolonged," central committee member Prakash Pokharel quoted Dahal as saying in the meeting.
leaders told Dahal that the split in the party can be prevented by convincing the state committee and central committee members close to Baidya. They further concluded that it would be fruitless to try to talk to Baidya, General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa and Secretary CP Gajurel for party unity.
"I would be criticized if the party splits so I take responsibility to unite the party as well," Pokharel quoted Dahal as saying in the meeting. Dahal also accused the Baidya faction leaders of pursuing "politics of envy and jealousy".
Similarly, the leaders also sought clarification from politburo member Haribol Gajurel for announcing to media that Dahal was ready to step down from the party´s leadership for the sake of party unity.
But Gajurel told the leaders that he was not the only leader who made the announcement after the recent central committee meeting. The leaders said Dahal had told the central committee members that the issue of his resignation could be discussed if the party unity could be maintained.
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