Janakpurdham, August 4

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today said the third phase of civic polls slated for September 18 in  Province 2 could not be postponed on any ground.

Speaking at a press meet organised in Janakpurdham today, PM Deuba made it clear that the poll could not be postponed again. “Whether or not a political party takes part in the polls, the poll date can’t be changed now,” said Deuba referring to Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal’s indecision on contesting the election. PM Deuba, who is also the president of Nepali Congress, said attempts to garner two-thirds majority in the Parliament for amendment to the statute were in the final stage, adding that the bill related to it would be tabled in the House for endorsement at the earliest.

He accused the principal opposition CPN-UML of not cooperating in the passage of the amendment bill. “Actually, Nepali Congress wanted to get the amendment bill endorsed by the Parliament before the upcoming civic polls in Province 2, but the bill has not been tabled yet as per the recommendation of Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal leaders,” said PM Deuba.

He urged the agitating RJP-N to participate in the third round of civic polls. “The civic polls in Province 2 is a matter of prestige for Nepali Congress as the party has a stronghold in Madhes. Our party will emerge the largest from the third round of civic polls,” said Deuba.

Ruling out any factionalism in the party, Deuba directed all party leaders and cadres to work unitedly to elect party candidates in Province 2. He also said the central working committee of the party was ready to extend any kind of support for those who would emerge victorious in the election.