Ramechhap, November 17:

Vice-chairman of the Nepali Congress Ram Chandra Poudel claimed today that his party would play lead role in the constitution-making process.

Poudel was speaking at a programme organised by the Nepali Congress Ramechhap in Manthali, the district headquarters of Ramechhap.

“Our party has been at the forefront of all epoch-making events. We will have the lead role in the constitution-making process, too” said Poudel.

Terming the Maoists’ activities ‘regressive’, the NC leader accused the CPN-Maoist of intimidating rivals. “Maoist combatants are out of combatants. They are unleashing a reign of terror in the name of the Young Communist League.”

“Budget is not development-oriented. It was brought to support the Maoist cadres,” he said. Poudel claimed that the Maoists were trying to establish what he called a crown-less monarchy. The NC leader said the Maoists’ policy of intimidation had displeased his party.

“Our party will always stand against wrongdoings of the government, but will never fail to praise their good deeds,” Poudel added.

Earlier, Poudel had a meeting with NC cadres in Manthali. The NC vice-president warned of civil war if the Maoist combatants were adjusted with the Nepal Army haphazardly. He said integration should be carried out on merit basis.