KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress Central Committee (CC) today instructed ministers representing the party in the government to strengthen the coalition so that it lasts until the new constitution is promulgated.

The NC ministers were called to clarify to the CC their performance in the government and about the grievances from the party rank and file. During the interrogation, the CC members urged the ministers to strengthen the present coalition. The CC members expressed concern about the gap between the ministers and party organisation while making political appointments and deciding on matters linked with the party.

The ministers suggested that the party set up a mechanism to make them accountable to the party on the issues concerning the party, said CC member Binaya Dhoj Chand.

Today's CC meeting also discussed the draft report presented by State Restructuring Recommendation Committee, headed by Gopal Man Shrestha. Some CC members suggested adding two more provinces to the proposed 16 while others suggested reducing the number, said CC member Govinda Raj Joshi. Some CC members expressed dissatisfaction over the proposal on the provinces.

Attending leaders said the party was likely to finalise the issue only after Dashain. The CC will meet tomorrow to arrange for the meeting of Mahasamiti members scheduled from October 31 to November 2 in Birgunj to sort out issues related to contemporary politics, constitution writing, state restructuring and party's revised statute. However, party president Girija Prasad Koirala is for cancelling the meeting, scheduled four months before the party's General Convention. The party also drew the government's attention to forge consensus with all political parties by intensifying dialogues with them to conclude the peace process meaningfully.