Kathmandu, June 11: Nepal's ruling party was in fresh turmoil today as a faction moved to block caretaker Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba from holding a convention before early general elections. The Nepali Congress party leadership, headed by Deuba's arch-rival and predecessor as premier Girija Prasad Koirala, issued a statement today calling the convention a breach of its statutes because Deuba has been expelled from the party until 2005. Deuba has called a general convention of 1,500 members for Sunday at which he is expected to seek the expulsion in turn of Koirala.
Friction in Nepal's ruling party came to a head last month when King Gyanendra dissolved parliament on Deuba's recommendation and called elections for November 13, two years ahead of schedule.
Deuba was promptly expelled from the Nepali Congress for three years and has considered forming his own party.


Bureau Report