He claimed that the opposition parties were compelled to accept the Maoist-floated proposal to form CJ-led government as the Baburam Bhattarai-government was “showing authoritarian tendencies in the absence of parliament”.[break]
“We accepted the proposal only after failure of our months-long efforts to form a government led by political parties,” Khanal said while addressing a function of CPN-UML´s media wing Press Chautari in Biratnagar on Friday.
He said that they tried various options -- forming the government led by a political leader, a neutral candidate or a retired chief justice. “The leadership of sitting chief justice is our last resort,” he explained. He said they tried to form government under the leadership of leaders from CPN-UML, Nepali Congress and leaders from small political parties as well. "But we were compelled to accept the leadership of sitting chief justice only after all other options failed," he said.
While addressing the gathering of media persons, Khanal reiterated the party´s commitment to press freedom. “UML believes in zero tolerance against attack on journalists," he said. "We are ready to correct any mistake committed in the past.”
Addressing the same function, Shiva Gaule, president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, urged political leaders to hold fresh elections without any delay. He said the Federation will launch pressure campaign for polls.
Over 150 aspirants for 59 positions
As members of Press Chautari, which is affiliated to CPN-UML, gather in Biratnagar to elect the media organization´s new leadership, over 150 aspirants are preparing to vie for various positions in the organization.
Sitting President Gagan Bista, Vice-president Rajendra Aryal and General Secretary Bishnu Rijal are preparing to vie for the top post. Also, some leaders are trying to elect leadership through consensus. Pramod Dahal and Ganesh Basnet have been proposed as consensus candidates for the president´s post.
Badri Khanal, Madhav Nepal and Lucky Chaudhary are preparing to vie for the post of general secretary. The convention will elect senior vice-chairperson, one vice-chairperson each from five development regions, five secretaries, one treasurer and executive members.
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