Kathmandu, November 5

Nepali Congress today said it fielded candidates in the elections of Prime Minister, President and Vice President owing to serious differences with CPN-UML over many issues, including the Tarai agitation and formation of reconstruction authority.

“The NC is committed to institutionalising democracy and took part in the elections as part of a natural democratic exercise. It requests party workers and well wishers not to be swayed by rumors,” reads the NC’s decision.

The party also decided to exert pressure on the government to move ahead the constitution amendment bill tabled by the NC-led government in Parliament. The bill proposes proportional inclusion and delimitation of electoral constituencies on the basis of population.

The NC also the government to seriously hold talks with the agitating Madhes-based parties and to make diplomatic efforts to remove obstructions on the Nepal-India border.

NC President Sushil Koirala today told the party’s CWC meeting that he decided to field his candidacy in the PM election as he was “caught up in a situation.” He, however, did not elaborate his remarks.

However, other party leaders, including Sher Bahadur Deuba, Ram Chandra Paudel, Prakash Man Singh and Krishna Prasad Sitaula said that it was Koirala’s unilateral decision as he did not consult with them before filing his candidacy, said CWC member Balkrishna Khand.

“Koirala had told me that he would not vie for the posts of President and PM just till late evening but the next morning he changed his mind. I would have been accused of non-cooperation had I not supported his decision,” Deuba told the meeting, according to Khand.