KATHMANDU, Sept 17: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Shekhar Koirala has urged the party to prevent further division and seek a moderate and pragmatic consensus to resolve its internal differences.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, Koirala said he was distressed by the divisions within the party and stressed the need for the Nepali Congress to remain united and play a leading role in nation-building.
Koirala warned that the party’s two upcoming general conventions could adversely affect Nepal’s national interests and democratic movement and said efforts should be made to prevent such consequences.
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“Although the middle path is difficult, it is the path of truth. It is also the path of the Nepali Congress,” he said.
Koirala also questioned the party’s response to the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other areas. He said the party should understand the suffering of people who have lost family members and relatives on the eve of major festivals and work through consensus, cooperation and unity to support them.
Recalling the Nepali Congress’s history of sacrifice, struggle, commitment, ideals and moral strength, Koirala said the party currently appeared divided and directionless.
“We cannot have some people lose, others win, and then celebrate by saying it is a victorious Congress,” Koirala said. “That is different from the culture and tradition of the Nepali Congress.”
He said he did not want to engage in accusations against anyone and maintained that the party could succeed only through a united effort.
Koirala said he did not believe that the conscience of NC workers had died and expressed confidence that the party could “rise, unite and win.”
He called on NC leaders and workers from the grassroots to the central level, including those living abroad, to join efforts to preserve party unity with determination.
