DANG: CPN-UML general secretary Ishwor Pokharel today forwarded four alternatives, including the capture of power after the Dashain festival, to the Unified CPN-Maoist. Pokharel was forwarding the alternatives at a press conference organised in Ghorahi by the Dang chapter of Press Chautari Nepal.

Pokharel also proposed that the UCPN-Maoist could either join the government, forge an agreement with political parties, or remain in the opposition as a responsible opposition party.

“The UCPN-M has before them four alternatives - seize power after Dashain festival, head the government by garnering the support of the majority of 301 CA members in the parliament, join the government, forge an agreement with the parties or perform the role of responsible opposition party,” Pokharel said.

He, however, warned that the UCPN-Maoist cannot achieve anything through threats. Arguing that it was not possible for the UCPN-Maoist to move forward raising the past issues, Pokhrel urged them not to talk about the past, but learn those lessons learnt in the past. “It’s high time they rethink on those issues and move forward with the politics of consensus,” he said.

Pokharel also doubted the tone of Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal as contradictory to politics of consensus. “We have to change that tone if agreement is to be reached,” he said. He also said that the present government would continue to function until a viable alternative was found along with the commitment of drafting the constitution on time and taking the peace process to a logical conclusion. He ruled out the possibility of toppling the present government by anyone. “If that ever happens, it would not be because of the UCPN-Maoist, but the government itself,” he argued.

He also warned that should the drafting of the constitution miss its deadline, it would amount to a catastropic situation.

“This is why there is the need of an agreement - sooner the better - between the UCPN-Maoist, CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress,” he added.