The Nepali Congress says it is prepared to respond to any challenge to the party’s legitimacy, provided the matter is investigated independently and without bias.
The party made the statement at a special meeting at its central office in Sanepa on Wednesday, November 4.
“We want the investigation to be carried out transparently,” senior vice president Bishwaprakash Sharma told reporters after the meeting.
He said the party would answer questions about its legitimacy, but stressed that the inquiry must be free of political bias.
Congress seeks an impartial, independent inquiry
At the special meeting, the party agreed that the allegations concerning its legitimacy should be examined through an independent and impartial investigation.
“We are ready to respond to any questions about our organisational legitimacy and leadership,” Sharma said.
He also described the allegations and public claims about phone records as false and fabricated.
“The purpose of this conspiracy will become clear in time,” he said.
The Congress has called for an investigation to establish the facts.
Sharma questions handling of Inam Sapkota’s phone
Sharma said he had concerns about the mobile phone belonging to Inam Sapkota, the intermediary who is currently in police custody.
He questioned media reports that the phone, after being seized by police, was handed to Kumar Ben, an adviser to Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Sharma asked what had happened to the device and whether any information on it had been erased.
He also raised concerns about the legality of the process and whether proper procedures had been followed, saying evidence must be handled lawfully during an investigation.
The questions add another dimension to the controversy involving Inam Sapkota. The claims remain allegations and require independent verification.
Congress concerned about staff dismissals at Sunkoshi Marin project
Sharma also expressed concern over the dismissal of staff from the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Project amid a dispute involving a contract.
He questioned the government’s decision and referred to the opposition leader’s comments about the working environment in the Prime Minister’s Office.
“We are deeply concerned about what is taking place,” he said. “Government decisions should be made lawfully and through proper procedures.”
The party said it was troubled by the government’s actions.
Party says it is ready to answer questions
“We are prepared to face any investigation into allegations about our legitimacy,” Sharma reiterated.
He added that the party had nothing to conceal from a proper, impartial inquiry.
The calls for an investigation come as political tensions grow over the allegations, claims concerning phone records, the inquiry involving Inam Sapkota and the government’s actions.
The Congress says a lawful investigation is needed to establish the facts and determine who is responsible.