My victory as NC prez will not topple Deuba govt: NC presidential candidate Dr. Koirala

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) presidential candidate Dr. Shekhar Koirala has clarified that his candidacy is not aimed at removing party President Sher Bahadur Deuba from the post of prime minister.

Addressing a press meet held on the eve of voting under the NC’s 14^th general election Sunday, Koirala expressed his support to the coalition government.

He urged incumbent Prime Minister and NC President Deuba not to fear as his candidacy was not aimed at toppling his (Deuba) government. However, he said he would defeat the incumbent NC President in the general convention.

Earlier, at a program in Kathmandu, PM Deuba had said that it was necessary for him to win NC presidency again or else he would be removed from the post of PM.

Stating that if he does not win the party’s internal competition questions, the opposition would raise questions about his efficiency and competence in handling the government, he urged all general convention delegates to ensure his win.

In course of the press meet, when a journalist asked Dr. Koriala if NC President Deuba sent spies to his home, Dr. Koirala said, “You asked me the right question. For now, I want to say yes, it is true.”

In the context of Deuba’s remarks, Dr. Koirala said even if the current NC president lost the election in the general convention, the coalition government would continue and he would make the coalition even stronger.

“PM Deuba today hurt NC cadres with his remark. I want to assure him that the alliance government would not shatter if I am elected the new NC president and that he (Deuba) would still be the prime minister.”

Dr. Koirala further said that he would try to make the NC even stronger if he secures the leadership position. “I will utilize the experience of senior leaders of the party such as Deuba, Ram Chandra Poudel to strengthen the party and the democratic republic of Nepal. I will ensure youth activism in the party.”

He was of the view that the mix of experience of senior leader and energy of youth leaders would make the party more vibrant than ever. Acknowledging ill practices in the party, he viewed reform in the  party would make NC cadres proud of the organization.