KP Oli-led govt will topple by its own burden, claims Deuba

KATHMANDU: Newly elected Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba claimed that the incumbent KP Sharma Oli-led government would topple by its own burden.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Reporters' Club in the Capital on Friday, the three-time Prime Minister, however, made it clear that the Nepali Congress would play an effective role as the main opposition.

"If there is no strong opposition, the ruler will be autocratic," he said, adding, "If there is weak opposition, the democracy will be fragile."

He further said, "If the opposition is powerful, the democracy will be strong. That is why, we will stay in opposition. We will not join this government."

Leader Deuba went on to say that the main objectives of his party were to implement the Constitution, settle the issues of demarcation, create conducive environment for investment and make Nepal prosperous.

Stating that the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) should settle the issues of demarcation through dialogue, he said that the Constitution could be amended if needed.

"We need two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution, which we do not have," he said. "I will try to forge consensus with other parties to make two-thirds majority if we need to amend the Consitution to address the demands of the UDMF."

Moreover, Deuba said that his election to the top post of the party added responsibilities on his shoulders.

"I will not discriminate anyone during my tenure. I will move ahead by maintaining understanding with the party leaders," he said.

Stating that Nepal would benefit if relations with the India was stregthened, he said that the genuine demands of the southern neighbour should be addressed.

Deuba further went on to say that his party would mount pressure on the government to begin the post-earthquake reconstruction works and distribute succour to the quake victims at the earliest.

Meanwhile, he said that Speaker Onsari Gharti made a blunder by sending back recommendation made for the appointment of justices at the Supreme Court to the Judicial Council.

Speaker Gharti on Sunday had returned names of justice nominees saying that that Parliamentary Hearing Committee was not in place and the Council was incomplete while making the decision.