Biratnagar, January 12:

A day after assuming office, minister without portfolio Sujata Koirala today said monarchy should not be demolished from the country.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Morang chapter of Nepal Press Union here, she said, “Monarchy is the identity of the Nepalis and I personally believe that it should be protected.”

“Monarchy should not be demolished just because a king is dishonest,” she said, however, stressing that it was her personal view and that nobody should make it an issue of public debate.

“Mahasamati meeting of the Nepali Congress and interim constitution have clearly mentioned the issue of the king and monarchy and I am not against the NC mahasamiti meeting and interim constitution,” she said.

“There is a need of monarchy as an institution but not the present king,” she said.

When asked about her stance that Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula should resign, she said, “My stance remains the same.”

“The date for CA polls is nearing. We have to concentrate on polls rather than seeking home minister’s resignation. We can formulate a strategy to encourage the security personnel to perform better,” she said.

“Failure to hold free and fair constituent assembly election may lead to the revival of

the 1990 constitution,”

she said.

“I urge all agitating forces in Tarai to solve the problems through talks,” she said.

Sujata’s comment ruffles feathers:

Kathmandu: The issue of Minister Sujata Koirala’s statement on monarchy will be raised in the cabinet because the statement is against the spirit of the Interim Constitution 2006, a minister said on Saturday.

Minister for General Administration Ram Chandra Yadav, while speaking at a programme at the Reporters’ Club, raised concern about the minister’s comment. “The issue will be raised in the cabinet as the remark is against the Interim Constitution,” he said. Nepali Congress leader Prakash Man Singh said the party’s decision on monarchy made by its general council would be strictly followed. He urged the people not to be moved by any particular person as the NC had a long and democratic history. — HNS