EC rejects Deuba’s claim for leadership of party

In A major blow to Nepal’s caretaker premier Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Election Commission on Tuesday rejected his claim to leadership of...

In A major blow to Nepal’s caretaker premier Sher Bahadur Deuba, the Election Commission on Tuesday rejected his claim to leadership of the ruling Nepali Congress and handed the party emblem to the rival faction headed by his arch foe, Girija Prasad Koirala.

‘‘The Nepali Congress party headed by Girija Prasad Koirala has been recognised as the official Nepali Congress party for the election purpose,’’ Shambhu Prasad Khanal, secretary at the EC said. The Commission handed over the tree symbol to the Koirala-led party.

Deuba will not be able to take part in the November Parliamentary elections as a member of the party but can do so under a different party name. The Commission’s decision over the dispute between Koirala and Deuba to get the official recognition from the Commission came eight weeks ahead of the mid-term poll.

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However, Khanal also made it clear that the decision was provisional, which applies till the November polls and may change in future. He also gave seven days time for the Deuba faction to apply for new name and election symbol for his party within seven days.

The Deuba faction of the party strongly attacked the Commission’s decision. The decision was unexpected. The Commission has taken a political decision and it was prejudiced, Bimalendra Nidhi, Nepali Congress (Deuba) central committee member and a close associate of his said.

However, the Koirala faction welcomed the decision. ‘‘We are satisfied with the EC’s decision,’’ said Arjun Narsingh K.C., spokesman, Nepali Congress (Koirala).