KATHMANDU: CPN-UML leader Bhim Rawal said the protest programmes announced by the United Democratic Madhesi Front could not stop the local level elections scheduled for May 14.

Speaking with journalists in Kathmandu today, Rawal suggested that the agitating parties should join the elections.

"The Front leaders should not fear going for the polls," he said, "Warning to foil elections may infer that the Front is not on people's side."

He added that people in the Madhes were not against the elections, but preparing to cast their votes.

The UML Vice-Chairman, meanwhile, said his party had not consented to the new Constitution amendment proposal as the government claimed.

He suggested that the current bill should also be withdrawn as the Madhesi parties, whom the proposal aimed to convince for the polls, already rejected the document.

Speaking at the same function, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajaya Shankar Nayak also said the polls would be held even if the Madhesi Front boycotted it.

Likewise, Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Rijal said the polls should be deferred by 10 to 20 days to ensure the participation of Madhesi parties.

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