Deuba to NC ministers: Bring grievances to me if PM ignores

Kathmandu, August 18 - Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has instructed his party's ministers to bring any concerns directly to him if Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli does not address them.

Deuba summoned the ministers to his private residence in Budhanilakantha on Saturday evening. He instructed them to approach Prime Minister Oli with any issues they encounter while working. A minister informed that Deuba specifically directed the ministers to inform him if the Prime Minister did not entertain their complaints.

Deuba encouraged the ministers to work with confidence and assured them that if any problems arise, they should take time to communicate with the Prime Minister. He indicated that he would personally address any concerns that need his attention.

All 12 Congress ministers convened at Budhanilakantha to meet President Deuba. Alongside Deuba, the meeting was attended by Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, Dhanraj Gurung, and General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa. General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma did not attend as he is currently at his home town.

Minister of State for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Purna Bahadur Tamang stated that this meeting with President Deuba was his first since becoming a minister, aimed at discussing current issues.

During the meeting, Deuba listened to briefings from the ministers about their respective ministries' activities over the past month. Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary said that Deuba instructed all ministers to work with dedication.

Chaudhary mentioned, "We updated him on our progress over the past month. He responded positively and encouraged us to continue working diligently without concerns. He emphasized that any issues should be communicated directly, and he would address them with the Prime Minister."

Deuba also informed the ministers that monthly discussions will be held following briefings. He assured them that he would be available to discuss any issues with Prime Minister Oli if necessary.

On the same day, Deuba visited Baluwatar to meet Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, where they discussed constitutional amendments, the common minimum program, and other issues. After the meeting, Deuba spoke with the ministers who had previously served in the Oli government.

The Oli-led Cabinet members present in the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister Prakashman Singh, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary, Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Pandey, Law Minister Ajay Chaurasia, Health Minister Pradeep Paudel, Agriculture Minister Ramnath Adhikari, Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, and Forest and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi.

Additionally, Minister of State for Energy Purna Bahadur Tamang and Minister of State for Forest and Environment Rupa BK were present.