Kathmandu, Oct 14: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who became public after over a month of Gen-Z protest, on Tuesday, entrusted the responsibility of Acting President of the Party to Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka.
Deuba was attacked and injured seriously by the demonstrators during the Gen-Z protest at his own residence, Budhanilakantha, on September 9.
He was admitted to hospital along with security arrangement. After the treatment, leader Deuba along with his spouse Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has been staying at a relative’s home in Lalitpur.
He attended the central committee meeting of the party and announced Vice President Khadka as the Acting President. Deuba believed Khadka would work for the broader welfare of the party.
A section of the leaders in the party, including the General Secretaries, had been demanding the party leadership to step down and pay heed to the demands of the Gen-Z people and shake up party organization.
Deuba has however argued that he assigned Khadka as the Acting President citing his health condition.
Leadership transfer after general convention
Reading out a written statement at the meeting in the party office, Lalitpur, the President said he was aware that the issue of leadership handover was raised in the party and he was ready to hand it over from the coming 15th general convention. It will be a legitimate way of leadership transfer, Deuba reminded.
Also the former prime minister, Deuba underlined the need of dialogue and cooperation among other political parties which believe in democracy. Making NC unified in the face of adversity is imperative.
The constitution made by the people from the Constituent Assembly is at risk; the House of Representatives was dissolved in the unconstitutional and undemocratic ways, he asserted.
“The NC does not compromise nationality and democracy,” he reminded, adding that NC wants to keep intact the party among cadres and at people’s level.
He said the Nepali sisters and brothers living in the country and abroad are watching closely the NC meeting at present, so it is time to make a judicious decision with proper analyses of political to ensure right solution. NC needs to reestablish its credibility retained since historic time, Deuba viewed.
On the occasion, the NC President paid tribute to those losing lives during the Gen-Z protest, extended condolences to the bereaved family members and wished speedy recovery to the injured persons.
Peaceful protest was infiltrated
Deuba asserted that the peaceful protest launched by Gen-Z was infiltrated, resulting into the death of innocent youths. It aggrieved him, he added.
“The deaths and destructions caused by attack, vandalism and arsons will be recorded as the most horrible incidents in Nepal’s history,” he viewed, underscoring the need of conducting fair investigation into these and bringing to book those involved in such activities.
He appreciated the role played by President Paudel, arguing that his move prevented the country from another crisis. Deuba thanked President Paudel for his constructive and mature role.
The genuine demands of Gen-Z like good governance and freedom of expression must be addressed.
“The recent developments have verified that scourge was coordinated. So it needs additional investigation,” he said, calling all state agencies including court and security bodies to work with high morale. He asked the party cadres and leaders to be united at this hour. Favourable atmosphere must for election.
The President stressed the need of creating atmosphere for free and fair on March 5. It is the responsibility of government to create such atmosphere. Election brings the constitution back to track, according to him.
He blamed the government of not holding proper dialogue with political parties which are the major stakeholders of democratic system.
“The history shows that NC has taken a lead to find solution to the difficult time in the country, so other parties too should be united at such difficulty,” Deuba stated.
The leader also recounted his political career devoted to democracy since teenage. “I feel honoured and proud to have worked for country and people,” he said, making it clear that though he became prime minister for five times, but hardly for five years in total over these stints.
The NC leader also shared the exemplary works he did during his tenures like freeing kamaiya, introduction of corruption control act, and scientific land reforms.
“It was a coordinated attack and misleading information spread against me to discredit and sully my image following the protest,” Deuba asserted.
