KATHMANDU: The much-anticipated Secretariat meeting of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) held on Saturday afternoon failed to make headway in resolving the contentious issues of the party.
Spokesperson Narayankaji Shrestha informed that the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar concluded with a decision to hold further discussions.
He said, “In today’s meeting, the two Chairpersons and other leaders discussed how to address and resolve the party’s internal crisis on the basis of consensus to address the needs of the nation.”
He added that the Standing Committee meeting slated for Sunday afternoon will be held.
During the meeting, PM KP Oli proposed holding unity convention in November-December.
The proposal from the prime minister comes at the time when he is under immense pressure to resign both as Prime Minister and party Chairman.
Sources said another Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda also agreed with the proposal.
However, some leaders, including senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, demanded that the two Chairmen formally bring the proposal.
Soon after the meeting, Oli and Prachanda reached Sheetal Niwas to meet President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
The duo held one-to-one talks before the Secretariat.
Earlier this morning, five top leaders including Prachanda, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhalanath Khanal, Bamdev Gautam and Narayankaji Shrestha had a discussion at Prachanda’s residence in Khumaltar.
Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ was absent at Khumaltar’s discussion, it is learned.
Similarly, Oli discussed with leaders including Defense Minister Ishwor Pokharel, General Secretary Bishnu Poudel and Chief Advisor Bishnu Rimal at his official residence at Baluwatar.
Earlier, Prime Minister Oli, Dahal and senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal on Thursday had agreed to take the intra-party wrangling to the Central Committee meeting after the tripartite meeting made no headway.
However, in less than 24 hours, the NCP canceled the decision and decided to call the party’s Secretariat meeting.
Comment