KATHMANDU: Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Pandey has called on the Nepali Congress to act realistically and move forward through collective consensus, suggesting that the next elections are likely to be held on March 5.
Speaking at the meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee, Pandey said government reports indicate that preparations are underway for elections in March, and that the Congress should not conclude that elections won’t happen.
“There are ongoing discussions, from the Prime Minister to all concerned. But let’s not say the elections won’t take place. According to government indications, they seem likely in March” he said.
Pandey stressed that the party must plan clearly for both the elections and the general convention, rather than focusing on one and ignoring the other.
He also noted that internal differences within the Congress are natural, but decisions must be made collectively. “Everyone has their own ideas, but we should not be blind followers. If that were the case, everyone would have joined KP Oli’s party, where only one person’s word prevails,” he remarked.
Pandey said the Congress seems to be drifting away from the national political agenda and urged the leadership to set a clear direction to lead the country.
Addressing issues of leadership selection and ticket distribution, he suggested minimizing internal rivalries and misunderstandings. “Let’s not think that only those who come through the convention will distribute tickets. The time for such internal clashes is over,” he said.
He further urged party members not to treat those who hold different opinions as outsiders. “It’s not right to divide colleagues based on whether they signed or didn’t sign. Let’s not think those who didn’t will be denied tickets,” he added.
Pandey concluded by appealing for unity within the party. “I’ve been in Congress politics for 45 years. This time, let’s neither be overexcited nor anxious. Let’s find a way to include everyone,” he said.
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