KATHMANDU: Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba warned that the leaders who betrayed party during local elections would face action.

Addressing a discussion programme organised on Thursday as part of the party's preparation for Province 2 local polls, President Deuba said, "The party was defeated in many places in the first and second round of local level elections because of the betrayal by its own leaders. It resulted in party's failure to stand first in the election results."

He further said it was natural that many leaders were aspiring for candidacy. But, it was not good to claim victory in case of only ones' own candidacies. Those working against party's success would be punished by forming a discipline committee, he warned.

President Deuba directed all leaders and cadres to be united to emerge victorious in Province 2. According to him, the party would pick the candidates for the third round of local elections one and half month prior to the elections.

On the occasion, senior leader Ramchandra Poudel said the local elections were imperative to ensure rights to the suppressed people. Even the Madhes-centric political parties would participate in the elections this time, he expressed belief.

He urged the leadership to pick election candidates by rising above the interest of factions. Forwarding constitution amendment proposal would help understand who were for and against Madhes.

"NC was born in Madhes. So, it must emerge top in Province 2," he stressed, adding that the candidacy picking must be finalised from local levels.

General Secretary  Sashank Koirala also expressed confidence that NC would stand top in the results of Province No 2 elections.

Treasurer Sitadevi Yadav said even the main opposition CPN-UML would be ready to amend constitution at the last moment.