Dr. Ram Saran Mahat, an influential leader of Nepali Congress, currently has a tight schedule — busy attending meetings and seminars besides visiting various districts to meet with district-level party leaders. Former Finance Minister Dr. Mahat talked to Khabarhub on contemporary issues, mainly on party politics. Excerpts:

Nepali Congress is reeling under severe internal rift. Party leaders are on the move as if the party’s general convention is approaching. What is the reality?

In fact, the party’s general convention had to be held within a year. However, the party president seems least bothered to convene it.  We can wait even for one year. The party statute has the provision to extend the convention by a year in case of any emergencies. However, the party leadership, mainly the party president, is looking for an excuse to extend it. Speculations are rife about the change of guard. That’s a different issue. But it is obvious that leaders, including me, to be on the move.

Party district presidents organized a meeting in Kathmandu recently. Party President was disenchanted. What is your opinion?

The meeting of the district presidents was, in fact, was an informal gathering.  And, I think, it is nothing to worry about. It’s obvious. They have been demanding implementation of the decisions endorsed by the Mahasamiti meeting. Internal democracy is obvious.

What is your stand? How do you plan to move ahead at this point of time?

See, I am not a self-centered person. I don’t believe in self-recommendation or self-praise. However, several of my friends have come to me, and suggested me to take the lead of the party because they say I have the experience, qualification and the ability to run the party. In fact, I have told them I am ready to shoulder the responsibility. And, I will be in the fray if the need arises.

NC has been alleged of being a voiceless and passive party and has failed to play the role of strong opposition. Is it that NC is losing its grounds?

In fact, allegations that the NC is losing its grip in the grass root level is baseless. There are instances of several cadres of Nepal Communist Party joining the Nepali Congress even now. In reality, the wrangling among the top leaders has upset the party cadres. This is the weakness on the part of the leadership. I agree, there are factions within the party. Party president should take the initiatives to narrow down the differences and to unite the party by rising above personal interest.