The govt. refuses to provide Convention venue: NC

August 26, 2005
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A major opposition party, Nepali Congress, has alleged that the government has refused to provide Birendra International Convention Centre (BICC) at New Baneshwor, Kathmandu, to hold its party convention in the last minute.

NC’s 11th general convention—the top policy making body of the party– was scheduled to meet at the BICC from August 30-September 2. The forthcoming general convention will also elect the new party leadership.

Talking to Nepalnews on Friday, spokesperson of the NC, Arjun Narsingha KC, said acting director of the BICC has informed the NC over phone that he was unable to provide the conference hall for the NC convention. He said the acting director told them that he was unable to provide NC the conference hall due to ‘high level orders’.

According to KC, the Nepali Congress had already paid over Rs 1.6 million as rental charges recently to use the centrally-located spacious building. “We have already carried out all formalities so as to use BICC as venue for our upcoming general convention,” he said, adding, “The NC had reserved the building paying Rs 150,000 in the beginning of last month.”

“We strongly condemn the government’s attitude toward political parties. This move has exposed the autocratic character of the current regime,” KC said, “It is extremely important for civil society and international community, among others, to understand that this government is engaged in blocking democratic process and curtailing civil liberties in the country since Day 1.”

NC is yet to decide about an alternative venue. However, party sources said the opening session of the convention was likely to be organized at the football ground at Jawalakhel and closed sessions would be organized at the under-construction party office at Sanepa itself.

On Thursday, Minister of Information and Communications Tanka Dhakal had told reporters that the government was ready to extend whatever support was necessary for the NC to organize its general convention.