Demands a roundtable conference before elections

Kathmandu, September 11:

Senior Maoist leader CP Gajurel today said that the constituent assembly election would not “mean much” and would fail to yield desired results unless their 22-point charter of demands, including announcement of a republic before the polls, is met.

“An election that is held by deploying the army would simply turn out to be futile,” Gajurel told an interaction at Reporters’ Club, justifying his party’s stance on holding a roundtable conference encompassing all disgruntled factions. “What has been proven is that holding separate talks with the disgruntled factions is meaningless. So why not hold a roundtable conference to discuss a common agenda by inviting all agitating groups under one roof?” Gajurel said. He added that the Maoists are waiting for a response of the seven political parties in this regard.

Asked whether his party would walk out of the government to start a fresh movement, Gajurel said: “We will walk out of the government, but will not withdraw our peaceful movement.” NC leader Arjun Narsingh KC said the Maoists’ movement could encourage regressive forces.

Raghubir Mahaseth of the CPN-UML criticised the parties for being “power centered” rather than being sincere towards the polls. He, however, lauded the Maoists’ efforts to have a roundtable conference convened. According to him, such efforts will help resolve problems. “Even my party should take part in the conference if invited,” he said.

CP Mainali of the United Left Front said it is too late for a round table conference.

Dr Narayan Khadka of the NC-D said the Maoists should hold wider discussions with seven parties before demanding a roundtable meet. Khadka, who was once an advisor to NC leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, said Bhattarai’s views on monarchy will not have any impact on the NC’s decision to go for a republic.