KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 10

In a bid to counter Prime Minister KP Oli's February 5 show-of-strength in the capital, rival Dahal-Nepal faction on Wednesday organised a mass-gathering at Bhrikutimandap in the capital.

Top leaders of the group had led rallies from various corners of the valley which later converged into the mass.

Senior figures in the faction former Prime Ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Jhalanath Khanal had addressed the event.

Likewise, leaders Raghuji Panta, Janardan Sharma, Dev Gurung, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Ram Kumari Jhankri, Ram Chandra Jha, Santa Kumar Chaudhary, Mehfuz Ansari, Anjana Bishankhe, among others had challenged PM Oli's move to dissolve the house. Jha had recently suffered injuries during anti-government protests held by the faction during the General Strike on February 4.

Dahal and Nepal at the gathering had warned the Election Commission to not issue a biased decision under influence of the incumbent government. Meanwhile, leader Jhakri stepped on the stage with black tape on her mouth and a vest with 'Against Regression' written on it. She again criticised the president for being a mere pawn to the Prime Minister, enabling his ulterior motives.

Dahal and Panta riled Oli for 'running to Pashupatinath' in times of trouble like former rulers and criticised his decision to appropriated Rs 300 million from government fund for gold-plating of Pashupatinath's idol.

Similar to Feb'5's event, thousands of supporters of the Dahal-Nepal faction were present at the counter show-of-strength.