Maoists trying to defer polls: Poudel

Rupandehi, December 22:

Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel today said the Maoists are trying to defer the CA polls indefinitely by placing several demands.

Speaking to journalists in Butwal today, he said: “The Maoists have been forwarding various demands with terms and conditions one after another and are trying to disrupt the CA polls forever.” The Maoists should clearly tell the public whether they want the CA polls or not, he said.

He said the government has left no stone unturned to hold the polls and has been flexible towards their demands with an aim to hold the polls.”

When asked about CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal’s recent comment on when Prime Minister GP Koirala will hold the CA polls, he urged journalists to ask the same question to Maoist chairman Prachanda. “I suggest you (journalists) to ask the question to Prachanda and know about the fate of the CA polls, “ he said.

There will not be problem in dividing vital ministries among the parties if a political agreement is reached among them, he said.

Nepali Congress vice president Prakash Man Singh said the NC will not compromise on any issue that is against democracy.

Meanwhile, former prime Minister and senior Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba today said that Constituent Assembly polls will be held by mid-April at any cost.

Speaking at a press meet organised by the Kailali chapter of Nepal Press Union in Dhangadhi, Deuba said: “People’s faith in political parties would be lost if the polls were deferred again.”

When asked about the Maoists’ proposal for a round table conference, he asked: “Why do we need the parliament if we have to organise a round table conference?”

Saying that the Maoists are creating problems by raising the issue of referendum and round table conference time and again, he said: “As the parliament is the best place to find solutions to all issues, the parties should try to find solutions through it.”

Saying that the process for establishing a democratic system in Nepal has been disrupted since 1950, Deuba said: “All things will be normal after a democratic system is established. But, it takes time for the establishment of such a system.”

Nembang for immediate polls:

ILAM: Speaker Subas Nembang on Saturday said all the political parties should honour people’s wishes expressed through Jana Andolan II. Speaking at an inaugural function of Free Students’ Union building of Ilam-based Mahendra Ratna Multiple Campus, he said: “Loktantra should be institutionalised and Constituent Assembly polls should be held immediately.” — HNS