The country’s principal opposition party, the Nepali Congress, has failed to put up a unified front against the government’s handling of the crisis in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic.

Top leaders, who continue to bicker over issues related to the party’s internal politics, are issuing public statements on their own, leaving members of the party and the public confused about the Nepali Congress’ official stance on the pandemic and its handling by the government.

“In this time of crisis, the Nepali Congress will support the government, but stand strongly against any dilly-dallying, irregularities and corruption,” said party Spokesperson Biswa Prakash Sharma when asked about the party’s stance on events that have unfolded in the past few weeks.

But Sharma’s stance does not add up with statements issued by top leaders of the party since the epidemic began. While some leaders have criticised the management of the crisis, others have gone on to demand that a government of national unity be formed and the elections be held at the earliest.

Leaders should understand the potential impact of their statements when they put forward unrealistic demands, said Congress leader Pradeep Poudel. “Some leaders love the publicity they get after making such statements. But such statements create problems often.”

The party’s Joint General Secretary Prakash Sharan Mahat, during a television interview, demanded that the government announce fresh elections as it has failed in every aspect. As Mahat is considered an ally of party chief Sher Bahadur Deuba, many thought that he was speaking on behalf of the former prime minister.

After his statement created an uproar inside the party, Mahat was forced to defend himself on Sunday. “My interview was misinterpreted and distorted,” said Mahat, denying that he made any such statement. “I was just interpreting the kind of political situation that may arise after the current crisis is over.”

It’s not just the second-rung leaders who are making public statements without consulting the party, top leaders are also doing the same.

After cases of coronavirus surfaced in the far-west, Deuba on Sunday called up half a dozen former prime ministers and urged them to unite in the fight of the outbreak.

After the lockdown began on March 24, Deuba has issued four statements, senior leader Ramchandra Poudel has done two Facebook live sessions and General Secretary Shashanka Koirala issued two statements. While the three leaders criticised the government over alleged corruption in the procurement of medical equipment from China, they remained mum on the government’s decision to assign the army to buy essential medical supplies.

Political commentators ask Congress leaders to mend their ways in the face of the crisis. Some commentators such as Shreekrishna Aniruddh Gautam suggest that they take a leaf from the approach adopted by former health minister Gagan Thapa, who has been suggesting measures to the government to fight the outbreak effectively.

Thapa argues that this government should be given continuity and the main opposition should refrain from making any political statements in this time of crisis.

“After this crisis is over, I think serious brainstorming is needed for an alternative to this government,” said Gautam.“But in the midst of the crisis, it is not wise to demand a national government or hold elections. Instead, the Nepali Congress should support the plan and strategy that Gagan Thapa has proposed,” said Gautam.