Addresses by leaders during NC General Convention: Who said what? (with video)

KATHMANDU: Leaders of various political parties addressed the inaugural session of the 14th General Convention of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) held at Bhrikuti Mandap in the capital on Friday. 

Three former prime ministers --- CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal --- were among those delivering their speeches and extending their best wishes during the opening session. 

Similarly, Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Chairman Upendra Yadav and Chairman of Democratic Socialist Party (DSP), Mahantha Thakur also extended their greetings for the success of the ruling party’s national jamboree which kicked off on Friday. 

The program was also addressed by Durga Poudel, vice-chair of Rastriya Janamorcha, Rajendra Lignden, newly elected chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and CP Mainali, general secretary of CPN-ML. 

Addressing the event, KP Oli, chairman of the main opposition, said that his party would work hand in hand with the Congress for the sake of nationality, development and people’s welfare. He urged NC President and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to be the leader of the government, not a ‘mere prime minister’. 

He also took time to comment on the remarks made earlier by RPP Chair Lingden. Addressing the session, Lingden said that the leaders are being tagged as ‘thieves’ when they go to villages. But Oli had to say that Linden's statement was a result of an immature leader. 

Also coming down heavily against another statement by Lingden, CPN (US) Chair Nepal said that regressive forces should not make futile attempts to restore the monarchy in the country. Lingden said that restoration of monarch and implementation of a fully propositional representation electoral system are a must. 

Maoist Chair Prachanda termed Lingden’s statement as the attempts made for the reinstatement of autocracy in the country. 

What did Lingden say?

Prachand's speech

What did Oli say?