Kathmandu, August 16:

Leaders of the Nepali Congress and Nepali Congress (Democratic) today stressed the need for a “total” and “respectful” unity between the two parties to institutionalise the achievements of the second Jana Andolan and face the challenges ahead.

“A unity between the two parties is indispensable to institutionalise the achievements of the Jana Andolan, hold elections to a constituent assembly in a free and fair manner and restructure the state,” said NC central working committee member Arjun Narsingh KC. KC was addressing a programme organised by Sambad Club Nepal. The unity, according to him, will have a long-term consequence in Nepal’s politics.

NC president and PM Girija Prasad Koirala has said that an ultimate goal of his life is to unite the two parties and restore lasting peace in the country, KC said, adding: “Now, the ball is in the NC-D president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s court. He has to expedite the unification.” KC said there are some people within the NC and the NC-D who are opposed to the unification.

NC-D central member Dr Minendra Rijal, however, said the unity between the two parties would be impossible without having freedom of advocacy in favour of a republic.