Nepali Congress Spokesperson Cites Lingering Tensions Between Factions Post-Convention

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress Spokesperson Devraj Chalise stated that lingering resentment remains within the party between those favoring a special general convention and those supporting a regular general convention. During an interaction in Anamnagar, Kathmandu, on Wednesday, journalists questioned Spokesperson Chalise about why former and current office bearers were not seen sharing the same platform.

Responding to the question, Spokesperson Chalise informed that efforts are underway to resolve the bitterness that arose following the special general convention. "The bitterness between the regular and special general conventions still remains within the party. We are making every possible effort to erase that bitterness," Spokesperson Chalise said while answering journalists' questions. "Everyone agrees on holding discussions. Efforts have been ongoing for the last couple of days. If nothing else works, the immediate plan is to issue a statement and make an emotional appeal."

Spokesperson Chalise suggested that if Deuba were to release some written remarks, similar to what he did in the Central Working Committee meeting after the 'Janjati' movement, there is a high probability of creating a significant wave in favor of the Congress in the elections.

He further informed that bringing leaders like Deuba and those who were in the previous Central Working Committee but are currently not actively campaigning, into the election campaign is a priority for them.

"It was good when he (Deuba) spoke at the party's Central Committee meeting earlier; we should create a copy of that type and get him to speak. If he stands up in four or five constituencies connected to Kathmandu, a wave will instantly be created," Chalise said. "We are prioritizing this matter and making efforts."

Chalise explained that candidates are unable to openly seek votes elsewhere because much of their energy is spent resolving internal party disputes. "The strength of the candidates is being spent on resolving internal party disputes. Efforts are being made to find a solution to that," he said.

Chalise stated that unity within the party would be its strongest aspect. "Unity is the strongest aspect within the party. There is a problem. We are working on it; it's not that we haven't succeeded due to our intentions, time, or perspective," Chalise said. "Even after trying on many things, the result doesn't come. We are trying to bring results."

He claimed that the alliance between Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah in the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was born out of compulsion, not desire. "The alliance between Rabi and Balen is due to compulsion, not desire," he said. "It is an alliance engineered because of Rabi's 'downfall.' Someone orchestrated it for self-interest."

Chalise also accused the RSP of lacking any ideology. "RSP was born based on reactions. It has no ideology. It was born out of reaction and anger," Spokesperson Chalise said.

He concluded by saying that in the elections, Congress would compete based on its own organization, not by following the whims of others.