Deuba to address NC dissident faction’s national gathering

KATHMANDU: Former Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba is set to address the national gathering of the party’s dissident faction scheduled for August 14-16.

Dr Shashank Koirala, coordinator of the national gathering organizing committee, told a press meet in Kathmandu that Deuba would address the three-day gathering.

Deuba, who is currently in Hong Kong for medical treatment, is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on August 11.

Leaders of the faction have said that it would launch strong protests if the state takes any action against Deuba upon his return. “We will strongly oppose any attempt to detain or harass the former party president,” Koirala added.

He said the national gathering aims to chart the party’s future course with the participation and unity of all members in light of the country’s current political situation.

According to Koirala, the gathering also aims to revitalize the party with a new direction based on the core principles of nationalism, democracy and socialism.

He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would deliver justice to them in the ongoing dispute over the legitimacy of the Central Working Committee.