Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) Deuba faction leader Purna Bahadur Khadka has said they cannot even imagine anything other than contesting elections under the party’s ‘tree’ election symbol.
Khadka made the remarks amid growing speculation that leaders aligned with the faction might contest the election as independent candidates or even form a new party.
“I sincerely urge all party colleagues, well-wishers, and our general voters not to follow the false rumors circulating in the market—such as claims that we will form a new party or contest as independent candidates,” Khadka wrote on social media. “I cannot think or imagine anything other than the ‘tree’ election symbol.”
He also clarified that the Supreme Court’s verdict would be acceptable and binding for his faction.
Challenging the Election Commission’s decision to grant legitimacy to the special general convention, the Deuba faction filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court on Sunday. In the petition, the faction has sought annulment of the decision, arguing that it contradicts the party statute.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on the petition for Tuesday, which coincides with the day for filing nominations for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.
The Deuba faction has also registered an application with the Election Commission, requesting a suspension of the nomination process until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict.
Khadka expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would give justice to them. “We approached the Supreme Court on Tuesday on behalf of everyone to make a legitimate claim to the party’s official status and seek legal remedy against the Election Commission’s decision,” he said. “Whatever decision the Supreme Court delivers will be acceptable and binding for us.”
