ITAHARI: Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar today challenged the Maoists to conquer power by overthrowing the government in a legitimate way.

He was addressing an inaugural of the Sixth District Conference of the Tharu Kalyankarini Sabha in Jhumka, Sunsari.

However, he allayed such a fear arguing that since the government was supported by 22 parties in parliament, it would be a Herculean challenge for the former rebels to conquer the power.

Gachchhadar also vowed to quit the government in a minute should Maoists get the support of the majority in parliament.

“I swear everyone will quit the moment Maoists formed the government of their own. But I don't think that is possible,” he said.

He also requested the Maoists not to dream of bringing down the present government through street protests, arguing that in the changed context, no one will ascend to power by gathering a crowd and chanting slogans.

DPM Gachhadar accused the Maoists of leading the nation towards a confrontation. He claimed that the Maoists in the garb of 'people's supremacy' have limited the fundamental rights of citizens.

Meanwhile, referring to his party's breakaway faction led by his rival Upendra Yadav, Gachchhadar said, he was not responsible for the split.

"If one thinks that I was passionate about the post of DPM, I would not have to quit the Nepali Congress," he said.

"Forum was created to represent the marginalised, Janajatis and the aboriginal people, but Upendra Yadav deceived us," he said.

He told the Tharus that he wished to see a Tharu becoming the prime minister.

“It'll not be a surprise to see a Tharu child becoming a prime minister,” he added.