UML Chairperson's first priority is Nepal unity

Kathmandu, Feb 25 (ANI): Newly elected Chairperson of the CPN (UML) Jhala Nath Khanal today said that his first priority is to form a Government with national unity.

Speaking to mediapersons in Butwal, Khanal said his first responsibility would be to form a consensus Government by involving Nepali Congress in the coalition Government.

He also expressed commitments to avoid the party from being influenced by the hardcore leftists and rightists.

Mentioning that the Maoists Government have been continuously making controversial decisions in an unilateral manner, Khanal said the modus operandi of the government will witness a significant change in coming days.

He said that the government should make decisions only after consultations with all the parties in the coalition.

"The party will move forward with broad restructuring of its ideological, organisational and working procedure," he added.

He also expressed commitment that the political document endorsed by the convention will be brought into practice and added that the party will play an effective role in the national politics with its own independent identity.

The Eighth National Convention of CPN-UML has elected General Secretary Jhalanath Khanal as party chairperson by a margin of over 15 per cent. Khanal polled 913 votes against rival Khadga Prasad Oli's 796. Khanal will lead the party for next five years.

Out of 1,820 delegates, 1,793 took part in the election to the new leadership that comprises a huge 115-member central committee, Kantipur reported. (ANI)