Kathmandu, Dec. 1: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has hoped the conventions of the political parties would help build an environment for national unity and political consensus. PM Deuba said it while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the unity general convention of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).

All parties' conventions should develop a common understanding on the issues of national interest and importance, he said, reminding that the UML held its general convention recently and Nepali Congress was also holding its 14th general convention soon.

On this occasion, the Chairperson of CPN (Maoist Centre) and former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal viewed national unity as the need of the hour. Unity of all political parties on common national issues is required despite ideological differences, he reiterated.

Similarly, the Chairperson of CPN (Unified Socialist) and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal viewed all parties' attention should be centered on the country and people. Unity among major political parties could be formed for strengthening nationality, democracy and social justice, he added.

Senior Vice Chairperson of CPN UML Ishwor Pokhrel said political stability warrants unity among political parties. The country should be a major focus of all political parties, he viewed.

Moreover, CPN ML Chairperson CP Mainali argued that Nepal failed to ensure political stability because the movements launched at various times as in 2007, 2046 and 2063Bs had foreign influence. All issues prevailing in the country could be handled together, he opined.

Leader of Loktantrik Samajbadi Party Anil Kumar Jha hoped the RPP general convention would bring a policy to implement the agreement made on Madhes issues when RPP Chairperson Kamal Thapa was the government talk team coordinator and Deputy Prime Minister.

Likewise, Rastriya Janamorcha leader Lal Bahadur Thapa reminded that his party had been insisting that federalism was not appropriate in Nepal. The expenses being made in provinces should be curtailed and given to the local levels with more authority. He suggested the RPP endorse this proposal.

The leader of Janata Samajbadi Prakash Adhikari underscored the need for ending discrimination for the country's development. He said the constitution must be amended for this.