Nepalgunj, January 1:

Nepali Congress vice-president Sushil Koirala said today that the nation was in the phase of extreme and drastic changes.

Speaking at a press meet organised at his residence, Koirala said: “Street agitations by the people will drastically change the cultural, social and political situation in the nation.”

“If the Nepali people desire, NC is ready for constituent assembly. We will accept whatever the people desire,” Koirala said, adding that talks with the King was impossible until parliament is reinstated.

Stating that the King has failed to understand the power of the people, Koirala said: “No one can prevent the people’s movement. Autocracy will last long in the nation.” He added that even the court was not free in an autocratic regime.

Responding to journalists’ queries, he said, “Why are you focussing only on disputes regarding issues of the party and the students?” he said, adding, “Because I am committed to party statute I am being associated with the disputes.” He said the selection of Nepal Students’ Union’s leadership was according to the party’s statute and rules. About the issue of NC’s unity with NC-D, Koirala said, “NC is always in favour of unity with NC-D.”

He added, “The seven parties will make the civic poll unsuccessful through peaceful means. The election is not appropriate anyway as it going to be conducted by an unconstitutional government.”