Nepali Congress joint general secretary Purna Khadka resigns in protest over Koirala PM nomination

Protesting against the Nepali Congress' decision to field Sushil Koirala as their prime ministerial candidate, party leader and joint general secretary Purna Bahadur Khadka announced his resignation from the post on Saturday.

Khadka said he was giving up the post on "grounds of morality", as the party president Koirala was vying for the prime ministerial berth, and in doing so, was breaching an agreement reached between the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN-Maoist.

Khadka maintained that Koirala's candidacy was not at par with the Central Working Committee's spirit, which had told the leadership to maintain unity among the major parties.

"This decision on candidacy shatters the unity among Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN-Maoist, and this is against the will of party cadres and general people," Khadka said.

Khadka had been stressing on the unity among three major parties for the formation of new government and implementation of the recently promulgated Constitution and was of the opinion that the party should lend support to CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli in the prime ministerial election.

Khadka announced his resignation at the meeting of office-bearers, saying the very decision would inflict harm to the Nepali Congress, democracy and current political situation.

Party President Sushil Koirala and other leaders did not react to his announcement, said Khadka.

Khadka pointed out the need for three-party unity for the implementation of Constitution, formulation of new laws and resolution of various issues regarding Madhes and Tharuhat through amendment of the new charter, which calls for two-thirds majority.

With two allies, Koirala and Oli, till the promulgation of Constitution locking their horns with each other, the Parliament is scheduled to hold election tomorrow. (ANI)

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