BHAKTAPUR: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called on the Nepali Congress to participate in the government.

Addressing a function organised to mark the commencement of the Nepal Sambat New Year 1136 at Shankhadhar Chowk of Bhaktapur today, the Prime Minister said all political parties needed to stand together to resolve the problems facing the country.

He said he was confident he would able to convince the Congress, the largest party in the parliament, to join his government. The programme was organised by National Luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa Academy, Madhyapur.

Giving his note about the ongoing obstructions in the supplies of essential goods on Nepal-India border, he said people are forced to face unusual malaise due to the obstructions in the supplies and pledged to end this difficulty soon.

India's unofficial blockade on Nepal after the major earthquake has caused a massive loss to the country, the Prime Minister said, underlining the need of unity among one and all with determination to drive the country towards the path of development and progress.

He pledged the government support to build the Shankhadhar Museum and bring the Nepal Sambat calendar into practice.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister announced the financial assistance of Rs 200,000 to institute a revolving fund for the preservation of Madhyapur Thimi's art and culture.

Nepali Congress Acting President Ram Chandra Paudel said political parties either in the government or oppositions were committed to facing any crisis in the country collectively. It was time for moving ahead by taking the people of the mountain, hill and Tarai together, he added.

Likewise, UCPN-Maoist Standing Committee member Janardan Sharma said there is a delay in seeking an alternative to end the national crisis brought by the severe fuel crisis resulted from the obstructions in its supply from the Nepal-India border. He stressed the need of opening trade points with China.

CPN-Maoist Chair Mohan Baidya urged the government to take standard measures to address the demands of the party and reopen Nepal-India border. He was of the view of taking up the matter of India's blockade on Nepal to the international forum.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister garlanded the statue of Shankhadhar Sakhwa and launched the Shankhadhar bulletin. He also honoured Image Television Chair RK Manandhar and Nepal Bhasa Manka Khala Kathmandu Secretary Naresh Bir Shakya.