Kathmandu, September 3:

Lawmaker of India’s Rajya Sabha and spokesperson of the ruling Congress (I) Dr Abhishek Manu Sanghvi today met Maoist chairman Prachanda and his deputy Dr Baburam Bhattarai at the latter’s residence at Sohrakhutte and discussed bilateral relations between Nepal and India and Nepal’s current political situation.

According to a press statement issued by Bhattarai’s assistant Bishwodip Pandey, Maoist chairman Prachanda told the visiting Congress (I) leader that some problems had

surfaced in Nepal’s peace process and a new political understanding was required to find solution to them.

“Chairman Prachanda stressed the need to bring an end to monarchy and implement the 22-point agenda put forth by the CPN-Maoist to create an environment conducive for holding the constituent assembly election in a free and fair manner,” the statement said.

On the occasion, Prachanda also stressed that India, which played a positive role since

the 12-point understanding between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists and Nepal’s peace process, should also redefine its role and policies in accordance with the changed political context in Nepal.

Dr Sanghvi said that meeting with the Maoist leaders helped him understand the latest development in Nepal and added that he would brief Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi and senior leaders following his return to New Delhi.