Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, December 31:

The marathon meeting of the Nepali Congress (Democratic) central committee remained inconclusive with the Prime Minister and party president Sher Bahadur Deuba and the general secretary both yet to enunciate their verdict on issues raised by committee members.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Deep Kumar Upadhayay called for the party to keep open the option of suggesting revival of the House of Representatives. Other cabinet ministers and ministers of state and assistants who also spoke and conceded shortcomings, were Prakash Man Singh, Hom Nath Dahal, Prakash Sharan Mahat, Tek Bahadur Chokhal and Bhim Kumari Buda, respectively.

Speakers put forth their points of view on the political paper presented by the leadership which, among others things, tried to justify the position of the party on crucial political issues.

Party president Deuba’s stance seemed to evince, however, that he wishes to rule out the option of the party suggesting or recommending revival of the House of Representatives.

Party sources expressed shock at the way Deuba was sticking to his views on the issue, thus stifling the incessant clamour by those party leaders who do not see any benefit in retaining status quo.

They also feel that the elections would be ruled out under the circumstances. Another nagging issue dogging the leadership is the growing demand within the party for a constituent assembly. For instance, a senior leader like Pradeep Giri has been vociferously calling for the election to the constituent assembly.

While central members of the party have already finished putting forth their points of view on the need to stay on in the government and on other major issues, things will be decided after Deuba puts forward his own point of view in the central committee meeting that is to go on tomorrow also.