Kathmandu, May 21:

Former Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa today criticised the eight-party alliance for “stalling” constituent assembly polls by raising unwarranted issues every now and then.

Addressing party workers here, Thapa said: “What I am sure of is the alliance is stalling the elections by coming up with non-issues now and then. However, much of the political process is going on as envisaged in the agreements after the end of the direct royal rule.”

Thapa attacked and defended the alliance leaders for their failures and successes. He criticised the Maoist leadership for demanding an immediate end to the institution of monarchy. “The fact that they are issuing a call for an end to monarchy is exposing their immaturity. No one can steal away what verily belongs to the electorate,” Thapa said, indicating that if monarchy were to be abolished, it had to be done with a due process.