UML ready to work with Congress; General Secretary Pokhrel questions government's conduct

UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel said the party is ready to work together with Nepali Congress in favour of democracy, sovereignty, development and prosperity. Addressing the opening rally of Congress's 15th general convention at Khula Manch in Kathmandu on Sunday, he said the time had come to cooperate with Congress again to protect democracy and change the face of the country.

Recalling that Gagan Thapa had stood with them since the movement to establish the republic and since the rally at Trichandra Campus, Pokhrel said it was positive that Thapa had come to lead Congress. He also expressed confidence that Thapa would be the president acceptable to the convention.

Pokhrel accused the current government of moving along a path of arbitrariness and authoritarianism. "The prime minister, who was elected by the people with their trust, does not recognise the parliamentary party he himself selected, does not listen to parliament, and does not listen to the concerns of the people," he said. He said that while RSP President Rabi Lamichhane had tended to bring parties together on national issues, the government did not engage in dialogue.

Pointing out that geopolitical rivalry has raised questions about Nepal's future, he stressed that political parties must unite on questions of nationalism to protect the country's identity and sovereignty.