Congress CWC paves way for Koirala’s next presidency; Poudel irked

December 18, 2004
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In a contentious decision, Nepali Congress Saturday paved way for its president Girija Prasad Koirala to fight for another term.

The two-day meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) established, with a majority, the argument that Koirala could contest for presidency for one more time, on grounds that the third amendment to the party’s constitution, which does not allow anybody hold presidency for more than twice, was no obstruction as his earlier pre-amendment terms will not count.

“The statute does not count on the past since it took effect only after the last general election. The party has decided to allow Koirala fight for presidency at the upcoming general election,” NC spokesman Arjun Narsingh KC told reporters after the meeting.

Senior NC leader Ram Chandra Paudel wrote a ‘note of dissent’ over the decision of the CWC. He said, “The CWC has misinterpreted the party statute. This is completely against the letter and spirit of the party’s constitution.” He said he would continue the ‘ideological battle’ until the 11th general convention in March in Birganj.

“I may fight for the presidency to reinforce my agendas,” said he. 
During the discussions, a few central leaders including Dr Ram Saran Mahat, Narahari Acharya, Mahesh Acharya and Bhim Bahadur Tamang supported Poudel’s argument, NC insiders informed.