Congress Deuba Faction Decides to Constitutionally and Politically Protest Arrests of Oli and Lekhak

March 27, Kathmandu: The Deuba faction of the Nepali Congress has resolved to constitutionally, legally, and politically protest the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

In a meeting of senior leaders from the Deuba camp, it was decided to oppose the government’s political retaliation against UML Chairman Oli and party leader Lekhak on constitutional, legal, and political grounds.

Following a meeting held on Saturday at Ramada Hotel in Thamel, Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka issued a statement urging party leaders and activists to be prepared to confront any political challenges arising in the days ahead.

“This politically motivated retaliation, which occurred immediately after the formation of the government with malicious intent, indicates a retreat from the government’s commitment to the Constitution and democracy,” stated the notice released on Nepali Congress letterhead. “This meeting of the Nepali Congress resolves to constitutionally, legally, and politically oppose this act. We also earnestly appeal to party members across the country to stay prepared to face any political situation that may arise.”

Khadka criticized the arrest of former government officials without completing any of the procedures recommended on page 721 of the commission’s report, which advised referring the investigation and prosecution to the Government of Nepal. He contended that such arrests violate the rule of law and are politically biased.

“According to the commission’s mandate, investigations were to be carried out for the incidents on both September 8 and 9. However, silence regarding the human casualties, damage to government structures, political party offices, businesses, and private property arising from the events of September 9 clearly reveals the partiality of this report,” Khadka added.