Kathmandu. An environment of uncertainty prevails in the country. The government has dissolved the House of Representatives (HoR) and declared a mid-term election for April-May, which is a sub-judice matter at the apex court. There are 12 writs registered against the dissolution of the HoR there. The Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court has already issued a show cause notice and the next hearing is on Jan 13.

The Nepali Congress (NC) has criticized the prime minister’s move as unconstitutional and undemocratic but currently two different opinions have become prominent in the party: one willing to go for the election, another advocating for the reinstatement the HoR through protests and mass movement.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba has become election-centric; his actions show. Though the NC has slammed the PM’s action of dissolution of the HoR as unconstitutional and is protesting at the streets against it, Deuba has been telling his party leaders that there is no wrong in going for fresh mandate. He has not spoken a word for the reinstatement of the Parliament. On the other hand, senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel is against going for the election that the party considers as being called unconstitutionally and has remained adamant about the restoration of the HoR.

Deuba has been directing the party leaders from different districts who flock in large numbers at his residence in Budhanilkantha to prepare for the election. While Budhanilkantha is gearing up for election, Poudel group is busy planning a counter strategy.

The leaders of the Poudel group gathered for a discussion at NC General Secretary Dr Shashank Koirala’s residence at Maharajgunj on Sunday. As per an NC leader participating the meeting, the discussion was directed at the party’s stance and the course it should take after the HoR dissolution and the NC general convention.

The leader further informed, “Leaders of the Poudel group took part in the discussion. There were discussions as to what to be done after President Deuba had opted to go for the election. We also discussed on presenting ourselves on the issue in the upcoming working committee meeting.”

On Sunday evening, however, the NC Poudel group leaders had a furtive meeting at an undisclosed place.

Earlier, at a book release program at Budhanilkantha on Saturday, Poudel told that the NC should take a clear stand at this time as the Constitution is facing a grave danger. He had also reminded how the NC had boycotted the elections during the Panchayat regime.

NC leaders have been discussing upon the HoR dissolution and the agenda of general convention of the party. Although the party has decided to convene the 14th general convention form March 19 to 22, the impossibility is as clear as day. NC has not decided upon another date yet. The Poudel and the Deuba groups both differ in opinion on this issue too.