Kathmandu, Nov, 7: Former Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed confidence that his faction will retain the party’s official status and its election symbol, the tree, as the dispute over the party’s legitimacy remains pending before the Supreme Court.
Speaking at the Nepali Congress Kathmandu District Convention on Saturday, Deuba accused the faction led by Gagan Thapa of using money to secure recognition from the Election Commission.
He alleged that the commission’s decision was influenced by financial dealings and said he expected the Supreme Court to rule in his faction’s favour.
“Inam Sapkota has mentioned Rs 180 million. Is that a small amount? They bought the party by paying that money. Are we supposed to sell the party for money?” Deuba said.
Deuba said he had challenged the special general convention in court, arguing that it was held without his consent while he was still the party president.
He claimed that he had urged Thapa to hold a regular general convention after consulting senior leaders, but the latter proceeded with the special convention while Deuba was abroad.
“I told Gaganji that he was young and that we could hold a regular general convention after consulting senior leaders. But he went ahead with the convention while I was abroad,” Deuba said.
He further accused the Thapa-led faction of paying money to obtain the party’s official recognition from the Election Commission, insisting that the party should not be bought or sold for financial gain.
Deuba said he now wanted to focus on contributing to the party and the country rather than pursuing personal interests. He also called on party leaders and cadres to unite to protect the Nepali Congress.
Expressing confidence in the Supreme Court, Deuba said, “I am confident that we will receive not just permission to appeal, but the entire tree election symbol.”
