Kathmandu, Oct 2: The Nepali Congress has decided not to host this time a reception that the party has been organising on the occasion of the Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhat festivals for long. The decision was taken mourning the demise of the then party President Sushil Koirala. The party is observing the first death anniversary of Koirala on coming February 9.

In a press statement Sunday, NC party office chief secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel said the party was not hosting any festival reception this time following the passing away of the then party President and former Prime Minister Koirala.

It may be noted that NC has been hosting a reception on the day of Kojagrat Purnima, the final day of the Dashain, every year since 2033 BS after the return of the then party President Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala with the adoption of national reconciliation policy from his exile in India.

Meanwhile, the party has expressed sorrow over the death of three people in a bus accident that took place at Handikhola-2, Makwanpur today. Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the party has prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls. It has also demanded that the government guarantee medical treatment of the injured. At least 31 passengers have been injured in the accident involving a bus en route to Hetaunda from Handikhola. RSS