Kathmandu, August 15:

Leaders of various political parties, except for the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), today ruled out possibility of dialogue with the King unless the latter restored the House of Representatives (HoR). “Holding dialogue with the King is out of question,” said CPN-UML leader Keshav Badal concurring with Nepali Congress (NC) leader Krishna Sitaula on the issue.

Badal said, “Let’s see what happens after the HoR is restored, but as of now dialogue (with the King) is distant.” He expressed the possibility of dialogue with the Maoists but said his party would not forge working alliance with the rebels. He said this at a programme at Reporters’ Club today. Saying that the upcoming national convention of NC would decide on the party’s stance on monarchy, NC leader Sitaula said his party would not compromise with the King. Dr Narayan Khadka of NC-Democratic, however, did not completey rule out dialogue with the King if he ‘listened’ to the parties’ voices. He ruled out diaogue with the rebels unless they give up violence. RPP spokesperson Roshan Karki, however, suggested the parties to hold dialogue with the King rather than with the Maoists.