KATHMANDU: Twenty-three leaders of the Nepali Congress have come forward in defense of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The joint statement was released on Wednesday, two days after leader Guru Ghimire and others demanded a special general convention. The signatories include central members, chief ministers, National Assembly members, acting provincial presidents, provincial ministers, district presidents, provincial assembly members, and other office bearers.
The leaders strongly condemned the September 9 attack on Deuba and central member Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba under the name of Gen-Z, as well as the arson and vandalism at leaders’ private residences, including the Koirala residence, Chaksibari, and Bhattarai Ashram, and at party offices. They said such incidents were part of a broader conspiracy to weaken democracy and infiltrate the movement for vested interests.
They called on the government to assess the damages caused under the name of “Gen-Z,” begin necessary reconstruction, and take legal action against those involved in violence and vandalism.
Stating that Deuba is currently undergoing treatment, they urged current office bearers to make decisions with caution and responsibility. They reminded members that Deuba has already pledged to hand over leadership, and therefore, moves such as demanding a special convention or collecting signatures would only fuel division.
General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma have been pressing for a special general convention. However, the 23 leaders argued that since Deuba has already committed to a leadership transfer, such demands are inappropriate.
As a political way forward, the leaders proposed reinstating the House of Representatives, which was dissolved on September 12. They stressed the need for national consensus among political parties, the government, and Gen-Z youth, followed by parliament reinstatement to amend the constitution. They added that Gen-Z youths should be involved in the reinstated parliament, which would then pave the way for general elections under a revised constitution.
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