Dhading, December 15:

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prithvi Subba Gurung today said the Nepali Congress and the Maoists were to blame for the political uncertainty and crisis in the country.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Siddhivinayak temple and Siddeshwar Mahadev Babadham in Nilkantha VDC of Dhadingbesi, Gurung said had the NC showed more flexibility the nation would not have been passing through the current crisis.

He also said that it was necessary to disband the Young Communist League in order to stop its illegal activities and reign of terror. He said peace would be restored in the country only when the YCL was disbanded.

Stating that the Nepali people had been waiting too long for peace and security, the minister said repeated postponement of constituent assembly polls was a setback to the people’s aspirations. He stressed on holding polls within mid-April.

On the occasion, the minister also presented appreciation letters to the donors who contributed money to the construction of the temple that was built at a cost of Rs 738,210.

Gurung also felicitated elderly citizens including Sher Bahadur Kumal, Santmaya Shrestha, Tika Prasad Bohora, Taradevi Poudel, Ratnamaya Shrestha, Padamkumari Dhakal, Sant Bahadur Acharya, Damber Kumari Aryal, and Sanu Kale Sarki.

Talking to journalists later, minister Gurung said the country would face serious problems if the Maoists did not keep the commitments that they have made in the past.

He also lambasted the Maoist chairman Prachanda’s call for an alliance with nationalist royalists.