Kathmandu, February 20:

Leaders of major political parties today said that the nation should be declared a republic before the constituent assembly polls.

Addressing the inaugural function of the 16th national conference of the All Nepal National Free Students’ Union- Unified here, UML standing committee member Yubaraj Gyawali said the nation should be declared a republic before going to the CA elections.

CPN-Maoist spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara said the seven parties should inform people about the agreement reached with the King on April 24, 2006. About the king’s message on the National Democracy Day yesterday, he said: “This is not only a statement but a grand design.”

Deputy PM Amik Sherchan said the King had not consulted the government before issuing the statement. “The government is preparing to take necessary steps against the unconstitutional statement,” he said. NC leader Narahari Acharya stressed the need for a ideological movement for a republican set-up.

ANNFSU president Thak-ur Gaire said the parliament should declare Nepal a republican state. ANNISU-R general secretary Himal Sharma appealed to all leftist student unions to unite.