KATHMANDU: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, President Bidya Devi Bhandari is hosting a dinner party today evening for the political party leaders triggering wide criticism.

Even though the party was meant for the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leaders, President Bhandari has invited leaders from other political parties to avert controversies, sources said.

Several quarters have criticized the dinner party to be hosted at 5 pm at the President’s residence in Maharajgunj as ‘ill-timed’ when the country is reeling under coronavirus pandemic.

Moreover, the government has barred people from attending social gatherings of more than 25 people.

Coincidentally, the dinner party has been called on Wednesday evening – the day when the ruling NCP is holding a crucial meeting of the Standing Committee to decide the fate of the much-talked-about Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact grant.

The meeting is likely to decide whether or not the government should accept the MCC grant of US$ 500 million from the United States.

It should be noted that President Bhandari has earlier this week held separate meetings with Prime Minister KP Oli and NCP Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

President’s chief personal secretary, Bhesharaj Adhikari, however, said that President is holding discussion with top leaders on contemporary issues including control and prevention of COVID-19, and constitution amendment.

President Bhandari has invited Vice President Nanda Kishor Pun, leaders of Nepali Congress, Janata Samajbadi Party, among others.