Kathmandu, December 17

Leaders of various political parties and former civil servants have joined former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai-led new force.

According to a press statement issued by Bhattarai’s secretariat, those joining the new force include Nepali Congress leader and lawmaker Pradip Giri, leader of Social Democratic Party and indigenous activist Pasang Sherpa and leader of Nepa Rastriya Party and former minister Keshav Man Shakya.

Former finance secretary Rameswor Khanal, artiste Saroj Khanal, former health secretary Dr Prabin Mishra and leader of Communist Party of Nepal Tilak Thapa Magar have also agreed to join the new force.

According to the statement, the new force would be an alternative force with alternative ideology and culture, and would promote virtuous politics.

Sources claimed that Giri and Khanal had told Bhattarai that they would not be able to play an active role and therefore would only play the role of advisers.

Pasang Sherpa said he joined the new force as he strongly supports Bhattarai’s agenda regarding indigenous nationalities. He said he told the meeting that he would no longer remain with the force if it adopted the ideologies of either rightist or leftists.

Leader of Nepa Rastriya Party Shakya said he decided to join the new force to campaign for the agenda of inclusion.