Nepali Congress (NC) spokesperson Arjun Narsingh K.C has said his party
will sit in the opposition and that the party has now stopped political
consultations over government formation.
Speaking at the Reporters Club Tuesday, K.C said a meeting of the central
working committee (CWC) tomorrow would formally announce the decision to
stay out of power.
"Nepali Congress will not join the government. As an opposition party, it
will play an active role in constitution-making," said he.
K.C also claimed the Maoists' refusal to give the defence portfolio was
not the sole reason why NC had preferred the opposition role, but there
were other issues such as demilitarisation of the Young Communist League
and return of properties seized during the insurgency for which the
Maoists have not yet clear commitment.
Speaking at the same programme, Maoist leader C.P Gajurel accused the NC
of trying to block the country from moving forward, and declared his party
would rather stay out of power, but would not give the defence portfolio
to NC.
On the other hand, UML leader Pradeep Gyawali said his party was least
interested in a majority government and that the party would continue its
efforts for a national unity government till the last moment. "National
unity government is our bottom line." nepalnews.com mk Aug 12 08
