Says UML’s interim statute amendment move is a ploy

Kathmandu, March 4:

The Maoists are ready to stay outside if that could ensure the constituent assembly polls in the stipulated time, Maoist leader Dr Bhattarai said here today.

“We are prepared to stay outside the government if the seven parties fear foreign aid would be suspended because of our presence in the interim government,” Dr Bhattarai told reporters here. He added, “But the parties should ensure CA polls are conducted on time.”

He also expressed dissatisfaction over the proposal submitted by UML in parliament to amend the interim constitution with a provision to impeach the king by a two-thirds majority. “That is against our agreement,” he commented adding that would only help keep the king for a longer period. “We are trying to seek solidarity from all the parties for declaring the country a republic. If not, we would make alliance with the like-minded parties including fringe parties and declare a republic ending monarchy through legislative parliament,” he said. He r said there is no reason for delaying the formation of an interim government, as everything has been settled.

Asked about the conflict over the distribution of ministries, he said the eight parties have not yet entered into a discussion over the issue. NC leaders have raised the issue of arms used for the security of the Maoist leaders but the CPN Maoist is using arms as per the understanding reached with the government, he said.

“Government has allowed us to use security measures for the safety of our leaders because government cannot provide security to our leaders. Even the Nepali Army is still not under the control of the government,” he said.

He added that the only punishment to the king would be to declare the country a republic as he is trying to spoil CA polls.