Nepal PM may float new party

Crisis within the Nepali Congress furthered deepened on Saturday with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba hinting at floating a new outfit following his expulsion from the ruling party.

8216;8216;I have deep affection for the party but after the expulsion I cannot contest the election as an independent candidate. I need a party at least to contest the elections,8217;8217; Deuba told his supporters here on Saturday.

The Congress on May 26 expelled Deuba for three years. The expulsion followed Deuba8217;s decision to dissolve Parliament and call elections two years ahead of schedule without consulting his partymen.

Meanwhile, efforts are on to withdraw the action taken against Deuba and placate him by promoting his men in the party8217;s rank and file.