Charikot, April 30:

CPN-Maoist senior leader Mohan Baidhya alias Kiran today warned of a strong protest if a republican set-up was not announced by the interim parliament.

Talking to journalists here, Baidhya said: “A republican set-up should be announced by the interim parliament because domestic as well as foreign forces are actively trying to thwart the constituent assembly (CA) poll.” He added that the CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist are planning to propose announcement of a republican set-up by the interim parliament.” There is no alternative but to protest strongly if the proposal is not implemented.”

Baidhya alleged that PM Koirala was being used as a “puppet” by the palace and the foreign forces. Saying that the UML had also indirectly proposed that the PM be replaced, Baidhya said: “The Maoists have also agreed to the proposal.” He said the leaders were terrified and foreign forces had intensified their activities in the nation beacuse the leftist parties have agreed to form a “Leftist Republican Front”.