NC President Deuba calls for efforts to protect democracy

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said all sides concerned should involve in protecting democracy.

Addressing the 11th national general convention of the Democratic Lawyers' Association, Nepal (DLA Nepal) affiliated to the NC here Friday, NC President Deuba stressed unity among all to cope with difficult times.

"I've no intention to become party President again. But, NC must be strong to ensure robust democracy," he said the CPN UML removed the age ceiling on leadership posts which is unacceptable in NC. One can not become party President more than twice in NC, he reminded.

The former prime minister viewed legal practitioners could play an active role in the protection of democracy. "If politicians indulge in wrongdoing, they should furnish the right suggestions to solve problems," he viewed.

He also lauded the role DLA played in strengthening democracy in the country. Deuba recounted that he was also a law student. Lawyering is a dignified profession and it should be, according to him.

Moreover, NC President shared that BP Koirala was a legal practitioner. Indian leader Jawahar Lal Nehru was also the same. The persons studying law have become Presidents in the US, he informed.

On the occasion, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhanraj Gurung, warned that appeasing political leadership would not determine the appointment of lawyers but competence.

"None can become a judge by offering a suitcase of inducement," he said, adding that judge is selected based on fair competition and competence. He argued that the law was handled by power centers in the past, which won't happen anymore now.

Similarly, Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa viewed Nepali Congress must correct itself for the rule of law and supremacy of law. "Once NC stands by law, it helps ensure the rule of law," he underscored. Thapa also sought assistance from DLA for restructuring NC.

Central member of the party, Dr. Sekhar Koirala, viewed time has come to correct the party and move ahead with renewed strength.

Another central member Ramesh Lekhak viewed both the system and constitution were under attack at present.

The DLA Nepal's national convention to run for two days has the participation of 1,401 general convention representatives. It will elect a new leadership.

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