Kathmandu. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has said that the time has come to protect democracy and change the face of the country by joining hands with the Nepali Congress.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 15th general convention of the Nepali Congress, Pokharel recalled that NC President Gagan Kumar Thapa was with them in the movement for the establishment of republic. Stating that they have stood together since the assembly of Tri Chandra Campus, he said that it was positive that Thapa has come to the leadership of the Congress.

“Gagan Kumar Thapa was with us in the movement to bring about a republic. We stood together from the meeting of Trichandra Campus. Now the old party has come under the leadership of the Congress. This is a very positive thing,” Pokharel said.

He said that they should again cooperate with the Congress to protect democracy and change the face of the country. Recalling that they have also moved ahead together with the Congress against the Rana regime, Panchayat and Gyanendra Shah’s rule, he said that cooperation is necessary in the coming days as well.

“Now the time has come to work together to change the face of democracy and this country,” he said, adding, “We have done it together under the rule of Rana, Panchayat and Gyanendra Shah. Now again we will fight for the protection of democracy in collaboration with the Congress.” ’

Pokharel accused the present government of moving ahead without cooperating and discussing with the political parties. Stating that the Prime Minister is not listening to the parliament and the people, he termed it as ‘autocratic rule’.

He expressed the belief that the Nepali Congress would play a leading role on this issue in the coming days.

Pokharel said that the youths should not be allowed to be disappointed. He said that all political parties should work together to fulfill the dreams of the youths.

“The youth should not be allowed to be disappointed. We should all join hands in the responsibility of fulfilling the dreams of the youth,” he said.

He also expressed the belief that the 15th general convention of the Nepali Congress would put forward a new political agenda by raising the issues related to the Nepali people and people’s sentiments. He said that NC and UML have played an important role in the field of information technology.