The Nepali Congress hosted a tea reception on the occasion of Bijaya Dashami, Deepawali, Nepal Sambat and Chhath festivals at its central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur, on Friday.

Politicians, diplomats, business leaders, senior government officers and journalists, among others, attended the party.

They were welcomed by NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, senior leader Ramchandra Poudel, General Secretary Dr Shashanka Koirala and leader Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar..

NC Spokesperson Bishwo Prakash Sharma said the party had sent out invitation to 100,000 people across country. Besides, he added, the party’s district committees in all 77 districts were also directed to host tea receptions on the occasion.

At Sanepa, leaders from both ruling and opposition parties were seen rubbing shoulders with one another. 

They spoke about the need of all political parties standing together to defend democracy and the republic.

“Our quest for reconciliation is still on. There is no alternative but to work together,” said Nepal Communist Party Co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel said the NCP government should take advantage of the two-thirds majority and work towards building a stable political environment.

The NC has been hosting tea reception since 2035 BS to commemorate the return of its founding leader BP Koirala from India in 2033 BS after spending eight years as a political exile. 

Usually, the NC tea reception is held on the day of Kojagrat Purnima, the concluding day of the Dashain festival.

However, this year’s event was postponed owing to the death of NC leader Chakra Prasad Banstola.