KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Oli has reiterated his claim that he would not step down under any circumstances.

“I will not bow down to the coercion for my resignation,” PM Oli told a television interview adding, “By saying so, I want to the give the message to the people, party and bureaucracy that the government is stable.”

The ongoing row in the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) seems far from being resolved as attempts to patch up the differences have repeatedly failed to bear fruits at least for the moment.

PM Oli also said he would not call the meeting of the party Secretariat anytime soon. “Everything has a time,” he said, adding, “I cannot convene the meeting as per their (NCP Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal-faction) convenience.”

He said since people have given him the mandate to run the country for five years, he will concentrate on delivery, not engage in intra-party politics.

“I will not budge an inch from my stance,” he said adding, “I will also not come under pressure to fulfil their vested interest.”

PM Oli also said that he was keen on handing over the reins of the party to the younger generation (around 60 years of age) rather than the elderly leaders.

“What is stopping us from giving them the lead?” he asked.

He categorically said he would not compromise on his position just to appoint their (Dahal faction’s) people in key positions.

Meanwhile, Pm Oli on Saturday had a heated discussion with five members of the party Secretariat that had reached OM’s official residence in Baluwatar to pressurize PM Oli to convene the Secretariat meeting soon.

Party sources said as NCP Chairman Dahal tried to brief PM Oli about the party Secretariat’s ‘informal’ meeting, the latter came down heavily on Dahal alleging him for encouraging factionalism within the party.

“I have told you very clearly that the meeting will be held but will take some time. Did I ever tell you that there will be no meeting?” PM Oli questioned Dahal. “You exaggerate things, twist the facts and hatch conspiracy against me.”

He also said he will not act as per the decision made by some Secretariat members in the name of majority.

PM Oli has been alleged of nepotism and favoritism in the party.