JANAKPUR: Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, who recently quit the UCPN-Maoist and came here to address a mass assembly, had to witness a stern protest from cadres of Madhesi parties on Tuesday afternoon.

The protesters vandalised the stage and set it on fire after Bhattarai cut short his speech and was escorted out from the stage amid hullabaloo.

He, however, addressed the gathering at Gopal Dharmashala for about 10 minutes amid protests. Black flags were planted at the stage also.

(Updated)

Baburam Bhattarai arrives in Janakpur

JANAKPUR: Former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai, who recently severed all ties with the UCPN-Maoist and resigned from the Legislature Parliament also, said that he would extend support to Madhes-based political parties for the ongoing protests.

Bhattarai arrived here in Janakpur today.

Speaking to the media people at the Janakpur Airport, the former prime minister said he did not quit the Constituent Assembly earlier as he wanted to see the promulgation of new Constitution from the CA itself.

According to him, he was dissatisfied with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal for a long and decided to quit the party ultimately as the demands of the women, Janajatis and Madhesis were not addressed in the Constitution.

He is scheduled to address an assembly in Janakpur at 2 pm today.