Kathmandu: Former Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has accused that 180 million rupees were involved in financial manipulation in the dispute over the party’s official recognition.
Addressing the 15th convention of the Nepali Congress Kathmandu District Committee on Saturday in Kathmandu, Deuba questioned the decision-making process of the Election Commission and claimed that the party’s official status was decided under financial influence.
Referring to a statement by Inam Sapkota that 180 million rupees were spent to side with him in the party’s official status dispute, President Deuba said, ‘Only a small amount? That money bought the party. Now should we sell the party for money?’
He also mentioned that he had learned through the media that the then Chief Election Commissioner had once stated that there was a threat to his life regarding the official recognition of Congress at that time. ‘At that time, we had also filed a case with the Election Commission. But the Election Commission, and the Chief Commissioner back then, apparently claimed that it was because my life was in danger that I had filed it,’ he said. ‘But that woman (Commissioner Janaki Tuladhar) isn’t one to be scared—how could she scare anyone? There’s money involved in the transaction. You get what that means, right? That makes it pretty clear.’ Deuba said he filed the case in the Supreme Court because he is still the president of the Congress.
He mentioned that a special general convention happened while he was abroad and said, ‘I wasn’t expelled by the party, nor did I organize the general convention myself. That’s why we filed the case in court.’ He expressed confidence that the court would give impartial justice in his favor, stating that a special general convention was held while he was undergoing treatment, they repeatedly requested to hold a regular convention but it was refused, attempts were made to buy the party for 180 million rupees, and efforts were made to gain official party status through financial manipulation. Deuba demanded that there should be an impartial investigation into the matter where election commissioners were allegedly threatened with death to make decisions in favor of the other side, saying he will no longer run for the party chairperson election.
He targeted party chairman Gagan Kumar Thapa, commenting that those who sell the party for money cannot save Congress, and made it clear that Congress’ political value, principles, and identity cannot be exchanged for money. Deuba mentioned that he has already achieved a lot in his political career and that it is now time to contribute to the party and the country.
He also stated that in serious matters where money is involved in buying the party, there should be an impartial investigation and the truth should come out, stressing that the party should not operate under monetary influence but based on law, regulations, and the trust of the workers.
