Chitwan, December 15

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba today disclosed that the three major parties have reached consensus on holding civic polls.

Speaking at a function organised by his party in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Deuba said the Chairperson of the main opposition CPN-UML KP Sharma Oli, Chairperson of CPN-MC and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and himself had agreed on holding civic polls and transforming the village development committees into village assemblies. “Now the country is heading towards the elections. The elections of the national assembly and presidential post will be held only after the polls of local bodies, provincial and federal structures are held,” said Deuba. He also announced that the country would face prolonged political crisis if the government failed to hold the three tiers of polls within 14 months.

Deuba accused the principal opposition CPN-UML of trying to split the communities of mountains, hills and plains by obstructing House proceeding for statute amendment. “However, the bill will never be revoked. The ruling Nepali Congress and the CPN-MC is not in a mood to withdraw the bill at any cost,” argued Deuba.

Deuba urged the major opposition UML to allow House proceeding and look for  other alternatives to address their dissatisfaction. “CPN UML should not obstruct House proceedings. It must support the government in its daily business, otherwise it must take responsibility for all the adverse effects of the obstruction,” said Deuba.