Maoists to quit govt in a month, says Ananta

Kathmandu, September 5:

Central committee member of the Nepali Congress (NC) Sujata Koirala today floated the idea of a “baby king,” challenging her father and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s assurance to Maoist commanders yesterday that he would “clarify his stance” on a republican set-up within four days.

Sujata’s views at an interaction at the Reporters’ Club also came as a disappointment for the CPN-Maoist, which has been pressing for a republic before the November 22 constituent assembly election.

Maoist deputy commander Barsa Man Pun, alias Ananta, however, said his party would walk out of the government within a month to press for a republic by forging an alliance with other republican forces. “We have formally informed PM Koirala about walking out of the government,” he said.

“The issue of a baby king can be a topic of discussion,” Sujata said, adding that her party would decide on its future course by “taking into account” the country’s sovereignty and integrity.

“For the sake of the country’s sovereignty, we should be ready to join hands even with the king,” she said, adding that her party has not decided in favour of a republic. “What’s the use of a republic when the country’s existence is at stake?” she wondered. Raising concern over the “deteriorating” law and order situation, she said: “The Home Ministry is no doubt ours (NC’s), but I sometimes wonder as to which party the home minister belongs to.”

Minister of State for Labour and Transport Management, Ramesh Lekhak, suggested the country wait for the constituent assembly that would take a decision on monarchy. “Let us prioritise elections, rather than announcing a republic first,” he said.

Ananta, however, said elections cannot be held without first declaring the country a republic. “Let us first do away with the obstruction (monarchy) and then hold the election,” he said, adding that his party would organise a round table conference soon.

Saying that the end of monarchy is the need of the hour, Pradeep Gyawali of the UML said that all should wait for the constituent assembly to decide on the fate of onarchy. “However, our party’s stance is that a referendum must be held in this regard,” he added.

No small matter

• ‘Baby king’ idea challenges Sujata’s father and PM GP Koirala’s assurance to Maoist commanders that he would “clarify his stance” on a republican set-up within four days.

• Maoists have formally informed PM Koirala about walking out of the government, according to Ananta.