"Govt didn't consult UCPN-Maoist for policy and programme"

KATHMANDU: UCPN-Maoist Secretary Barshaman Pun on Monday stated that the government policy and programme was presented in the Parliament in a haste and without consulting his party, which is a key coalition ally.

The announcement to hold the local elections later this year was also made without keeping the Maoist party or its chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, in the loop, according to Pun.

Referring to the recent nine-point agreement that was struck between the two parties to save their alliance, Pun, who is a former finance minister, said the government policy and programme has failed to acknowledge it.

Saying the policy and programe was not on a par with the culture of coalition, Pun added his part, however, lends critical support to it. He expressed his hope that the government consults the coalition allies while bringing in the new budget.

He was speaking at an interaction with media along with some leaders of other parties in Kathmandu today.