Kathmandu, July 12:

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist Supremo Prachanda are the main obstacles to a republican set-up, a youth leader of the CPN-UML said here today.

Speaking at the Reporters’ Club, Ghanashyam Bhusal said: “Republican system will rule Nepal soon if the two leaders do not stop it. We believe that a secret understanding was reached between them to keep a ceremonial King.”

He further said: “That is why Prachanda flayed the parties on the issue of reviving local bodies but strangely kept silent when a hue and cry was witnessed in the city after Koirala’s intention to keep ceremonial king was disclosed.”

NC leader Chandra Bhandari said the 19-day mass movement did not seek reinstatement of House but a republican set-up. “This government is not at all progressive. If it has come up with some revolutionary declarations, they were adopted because of the Maoists,” he said.

A student leader affiliated to the CPN-Maoist, Himal Sharma, said that the country is heading towards another accident because of some factors in the parliament who are guided by international forces.

“Some MPs are speaking the voice of US ambassador James F Moriarty. We must find them,” he said. Student leader Gagan Thapa said the people did not demand for the reinstatement of the House but for a republican state.

“It is not the Parliament which is sovereign but people themselves. If they think the House is not necessary or the members are not working properly, they can easily oust them from the House again,” he said.

He warned the politicians that the students could again show their strength in the streets if their frustration grows.