Double trouble for Prachanda

Kathmandu, April 4:

Prime Minster Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is facing the heat from both the ruling allies and opposition these days.

Main opposition Nepali Congress, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) and other fringe parties are threatening to disrupt parliamentary session till their demands are met.

Though the PM has had consultations to end the impasse, the developments are far from encouraging. He met Jhala Nath Khanal, president, CPN-ML today. But, the duo failed to reach a consensus.

The UML boss urged Prachanda to book the culprit, who was involved in the murder of Prachanda Thaiba, a Youth Force leader from Butwal. The PM, in turn, assured Khanal of taking action against the guilty.

The UML has been boycotting cabinet meetings over Thaiba’s gruesome murder.

The PM is slated to consult with NC and TMDP tomorrow morning. He will also hold meeting with representatives of 17 fringe parties day after tomorrow to resolve the deadlock.

The secretariat meeting of the Maoists today also decided to intensify the process of consultation.

“We are ready to book the killer of Thaiba. But, the parties should be ready to cooperate with the government,” said Narayan Kaji Shrestha, a Maoist secretariat member.

The NC has been clamouring for adherence to all past agreements signed by the Maoists.

“Parliament cannot function smoothly till the PM ensures the implementation of all past accords. Prachanda has been indulging in doublespeak for long,” alleged Arjun Narsingh KC, spokesperson, NC. Dahal, meanwhile is cut up with the UML. He feels that the ruling ally is acting more like an opposition.