Kathmandu, February 9

Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN-UML K P Sharma Oli today said Sushil Koirala had contributed exceptionally to the country’s six decade long democratic movement.

While talking to reporters after paying tributes to Koirala at his Maharajgunj-based residence, PM Oli said Koirala played a positive and committed role in promulgation of the new federal democratic republican constitution that concluded the political transition in Nepal.

Oli further said Koirala was always for unity, consensus and cooperation,n which all the leaders should take up for resolving the problems of the country.

Chairman of Unified CPN-Maoist Pushpa Kamal Dahal commented that the new constitution would have not been possible without Koirala’s contribution as president of the largest party and as prime minister. He said it was very difficult for him to believe when he heard about Koirala’s demise.

Dahal said the nation would miss Koirala while implementing the constitution, but the parties must unite. Koirala also stressed this.

Senior NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is leading a rival faction in the party, said the grief should be turned into strength. He appealed to all the leaders and cadres of the party to unite and remain patient in this hour of grief.

He further said the challenges ahead for implementation of the constitution could only be successfully met through unity among the parties.

Commenting on Koirala’s sudden demise, Vice-president Ramchandra Paudel said the party president’s demise was an irreparable loss to the country.

He said the Koirala-led government gave the new constitution to the nation and he was creating conducive environment for effective implementation of the constitution. Paudel said he would play a lead role to make Koirala’s dream to implement the constitution a success.

Former prime minister and senior CPN-UML leader of Madhav Kumar Nepal commented that Koirala’s simple living style, dedication to democracy and the role played during a critical situation in Nepal’s history would always be remembered.

NC General Secretary Krishna Sitaula said Koirala’s demise was an irreparable loss to Congress and the nation.