NC hosts tea reception; Koirala stresses on timely drafting of constitution
The main opposition, Nepali Congress (NC), hosted a tea reception on day of Kojagrat Purnima on Tuesday, the final day of Dashain festival -- giving continuity to the tradition initiated by its founder leader late B.P Koirala.
Leaders from almost all political parties attended the NC tea reception organised at the party's central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, UML general secretary Jhala Nath Khanal, ministers, foreign diplomats and eminent people from different walks of life were present at the crowded reception.
Speaking to journalists on the occasion, NC president Girija Prasad Koirala said his party was very much committed to the ideas of late B.P Koirala who had hosted the first tea reception of this kind in 2033 B.S when he returned to the country from self-exile in India with a policy of 'national reconciliation'.
Koirala further said the NC would now focus on drafting constitution on time. "We are committed to drafting the constitution. We will start exerting pressure if they (Maoists) do not show readiness for drafting the constitution," the Congress strongman said, adding that he "will not compromise with any individual, any party or nation" on democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and press freedom.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dahal has said he is hopeful of the NC joining the government. According to him, Koirala, with whom he had a brief chat at the tea reception, was positive about his proposal that all the political parties join hands for timely drafting of new constitution. "He [Koirala] pledged his support. I am now hopeful that this process [of cooperation] will go on and the NC will ultimately join the government," PM Daha said as lauded Koirala's contribution to in the peace and even described him as an inspiring political figure.
Dahal also informed that there would be formal discussions with the NC president on the issue very soon. nepalnews.com mk Oct 14 08
