Dang, January 18:

Former prime minister and president of the Nepali Congress (Democratic), Sher Bahadur Deuba, has said that the onus is on Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala to unite the two Congress parties.

Addressing a gathering of party workers in Ghorahi of Dang district today, Deuba said, “As Girija Babu sacked me, he must know how to get a sacked man back.”

Calling for the unification of the two Congress parties before the constituent assembly (CA) polls, Deuba, however, said, “The unification should be respectful. Girija Babu must think of appropriate ways to get us back.”

He warned of the birth of another autocrat “if there is no unity between the two Congress parties”.

A central committee member of the Nepali Congress (Democratic), Bal Krishna Khand, said, “Unification of the two Congress parties — NC and NC (D) will be possible after Girija Babu stops talking about ceremonial king.”

Members of Parliament Krishna Kishor Sharma Ghimire and Gehendra Giri also addressed the party workers’ gathering.

Deuba also met displaced people in Dang.

The displaced persons recounted their tales of woes, saying: “We have been forced to live as refugees for long...we have not got a chance to use our own land in the villages even after the Maoists declared truce.”

The former Prime Minister met activists of the NC (D) and acquired information about political activities in the district.

Deuba had arrived in Dang to inaugurate a cultural competition and seminar organised by the Tharu Welfare Assembly (Dang) in Lamahi yesterday.