Kathmandu, September 9:

The row in Nepali Congress over seniority between Sher Bahadur Deuba and Kul Bahadur Gurung fizzled out today and the party’s Constituent Assembly members wrapped up

discussions on the draft of the NC’s parliamentary party statute.

NC sources said the row ended after party President Girija Prasad Koirala — who briefly presided over the meeting this morning — left the hall asking Deuba to chair the meeting and carry on with the proceedings in his absence.

Differences between Deuba and Gurung over who should chair the meeting in Koirala’s absence had stalled the discussions yesterday.

Some 28 NC MPs have spoken in the meeting till date and suggested amendments to the draft prepared by a seven-member task force headed by party general secretary Bimalendra NIdhi.

The task force will now incorporate the suggestions and address the concerns raised by the

CA members and present it before the parliamentary party in the next meeting later this week or early next week.

The statute, once finalised by the parliamentary party, will be sent to the central working committee for ratification.

NC sources said Koirala expressed dissatisfaction at the way the party leaders created a ‘fuss’ over the issue of seniority in the meeting.

NC CA member Laxman Prasad Ghimire said Koirala advised the party leaders to follow the

path and ideals of the late leaders BP Koirala, Subarna Shamsher Rana and Ganesh Man Singh who worked in complete harmony.