Birgunj, September 13:

A clash was averted during the special convention of the Nepal Sadbhawana Party-Anandidevi (NSP-A) that began here today.

Lathi-wielding supporters of NSP-A president Anandidevi led by founder-general secretary Shyam Sundar Gupta moved menacingly towards the dais, but were stopped by volunteer groups. Tactful handling of the situation by the convention organisers prevented an outbreak of hostilities.

Speaking on the occasion at BP Koirala Park, party vice-president and chairman of the convention Rajendra Mahato described the smooth opening of the convention as a kick in the teeth to those trying to split the party.

Addressing the concourse of party cadres, he said, “Vested interests came to try and split the party, but the steadfastness of the party cadres and the people’s faith in the party have helped it emerge even stronger.”

Mahato, who is also Commerce and Industries Minister, urged all the Madhesi people to unite and avail of the opportunity for their empowerment through the means of the constituent assembly (CA) polls. He also issued a call to the armed groups in the Madhes to abjure violence, lay down their weapons and come for talks with the government. “Unless all Madhesi forces unite, there can never be an autonomous Madhes.

Mahato said that efforts are on to form a common front of all Madhesi armed and unarmed groups. Pointing an accusing finger at NSP-A leader Hridayesh Tripathi, Mahato scoffed, “Those trying to float a new party have come to break the unity of the NSP-A.”

The convention inauguration ceremony was attended by 11 of the 13 central working committee members and 38 of the 49 national working committee members of the party, said party leader Anil Kumar Jha. Most of the 703 representatives from

all over the country attended the convention, he added. NSP-A cadres from Bara, Parsa and Rautahat attended in droves, shouting the slogan, “Madhesi Janta kare pukaar, abke baar Madhes sarkar.”

The convention will continue until Saturday. The issue of impeaching party president Anandidevi will figure on top of the agenda.

The proposal tabled by the declaration committee under the coordination of party spokesperson Sarita Giri will be tabled for discussion and the party will also decide on the issue of choosing the new leadership.