Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel (File photo)

Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel (File photo)
Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel has said the King has no right to put obstacle in the process of democratization of national politics.

Speaking at a face-to-face program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal in Kathmandu Thursday, Poudel said, “The royal regime is going in such a way that it has not even left any space whereby the parties could ponder upon their past mistakes and correct them.” He said the ‘autocratic regime’ in place must now come to an end.

He further said though there might be some disputes within and amongst the parties but that does not allow the King to interfere into political matters.

Commenting on the upcoming 11th general convention of the NC, Poudel said the convention is going to be a major stride from one era to another. In his view, the convention would work out plans and policies for the restoration of total democracy in the country. He informed that a meeting of the Central Working Committee, prior to the general convention, would make clear a number of policy matters.

He emphasized that the Congress party, too, needed to exercise internal democracy, maintain transparency and make the election process fair. ”Only then the convention will lead us to a new direction and the party will be able stand up to the authoritarian government in place.”

Asked about his candidacy for the Congress presidency, Poudel, however, chose to not to speak anything for the moment. He only said, “Democracy doesn’t give birth to heroes but it facilitates a healthy process of selecting leaders having equal ability.”

On the issue of collaboration between the seven-party alliance and the Maoist insurgents, Poudel said the parties would move ahead only after becoming clear about the bottom-line of the rebel side. nepalnews.com Neetu/Sanu