PM Oli urges leaders, cadres to consolidate party unity

CPN UML Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged party leaders and cadres to consolidate party unity. Addressing the national cadres meeting of All Nepal Women Association in the federal capital today, Chairperson Oli reminded that he had changed the responsibility of some leaders for smooth functioning of party. None was expelled from party member or from chairmanship, he clarified. "After they (Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal) return to the party, discussion can be held how the party could be moved ahead," he said, adding that there was no point in delaying much for unity. The Chairperson invited them to attend the central committee meeting to be organized on Chaitra 7. In case of absence, he would act as per party statute, Oli warned. The Chairperson further said he would welcome the party leaders and cadres in the party who had earlier taken wrong track. He however asserted that anyone trying to join UML with ill-intention to lash Oli would falter on the way. PM Oli also challenged the political parties to topple his government if they could. In case this government leaves the reign, the UML would emerge largest party with two-thirds majority after 20 months via election. "If we're in government, we build country; and if in opposition, we prepare for building government," he said, further arguing that his goal was not to hold power but to realize the ambition of 'Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali'. According to him a faction within the party was playing divisive role and others were for making the comfortable government for others. PM Oli was of the view that phony democrats in the country were preventing the country from moving ahead to prosperity. Likewise, the PM said that he would not offer the prime ministerial berth to any other like other leaders who are offering the post to replace PM Oli from the post. Claiming that the government was taking steps for the people's greater good and good-governance, he promised to complete the development projects within some years. The PM also announced to increase the social security allowance given to the senior citizens and make it Rs 4,000 per month. Stating that the government has given shelter to street children, rescued them with their protection, and run the health employment programmes, Oli argued that President Chure Conservation Programme and President Women Rescue Programme are also conducted to advance in the journey to prosperity. Time has come to disseminate message across the country that the agitation takes a wrong direction, he said, adding that the protest should be led by women. There is also a need for women awareness in a bid to cut through social anomalies facing women, he said. PM Oli also urged women to continue fight against the tendency of violating social justice and equality in the society and end social evils like witchcraft and chhaupadi. On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and CPN (UML) General Secretary Ishwor Pokharel cautioned against 'disgusting' power politics being played to make the country's politics unstable and 'efforts' being made to create anarchy and disrupt social harmony. Claiming that politics, ideology and guidelines adopted by PM Oli were appropriate, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Top Bahadur Rayamajhi maintained that he was ready to quit his current position of a member of the House of Representatives for the present guidelines he adopted.