KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has defended party president Sher Bahadur Deuba against recent criticisms, dismissing allegations that Deuba obtained a passport in preparation to leave the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu on Sunday, Mahat said every citizen has the constitutional right to a passport and accused critics of spreading baseless propaganda. “Every citizen has the right to obtain a passport. Painting Deuba as a criminal for exercising that right is baseless propaganda,” he said.
Mahat stressed that the country is going through a difficult period and urged party leaders and cadres to stand united. He added that attempts to tarnish Deuba’s image at such a time were irresponsible and politically motivated.
On party affairs, Mahat rejected calls for a special general convention, insisting that the Nepali Congress would advance through its regular convention process. He said the party’s Central Working Committee meeting scheduled for October 12 would take key decisions on the convention and on contemporary political issues.
He further stated that no one holds the authority to prevent political parties from contesting elections and made clear that authoritarian tendencies would not be allowed to succeed. On the recent Gen-Z protests, Mahat said the incidents must be investigated but stressed the government should not act with bias.
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