At a time when protest against House dissolution is gaining steam, the ruling party’s faction close to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a demonstration in Rajbiraj, Saptari, today.

The demonstration, meant to be a show of strength by the Oli faction of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) saw the participation of Oli group’s secretariat member and Deputy Prime Minister Ishwor Pokharel.

Speaking at a massive cadres’ meeting at Raj Stadium, DPM Pokharel said the problem facing the party at present could be resolved if the leaders, who levelled serious charges against PM Oli and wanted to tear the party to shreds, agreed to withdraw the allegation levelled against the party chair and go to the polls as a united party.

“As the Election Commission’s recent verdict has also recognised the pre-split phase party as legitimate, there is no option for the leaders spoiling for a bifurcation to patch up and move ahead together,” said Pokharel, adding if the party was to split at all, the faction led by the PM would be awarded with the existing election symbol of the party.

Pokharel also informed that work related to upgradation of Rajbiraj Industrial Estate would start soon and the proposed Ramraja Health and Sciences Foundation would also start soon.

Speaking at the programme, Urban Development Minister Prabhu Sah accused rival faction leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal of being greedy for post. “He (Dahal) has created all this mess just because he wants power and post,” he said.

Meanwhile, around two dozen leaders entered the party today. DPM Pokharel welcomed them.