Kathmandu, September 12:

A leader of the seven-party alliance today ruled out any alliance with the King, but conceded that the alliance is yet to decide in favour of a republican set-up. He, however, warned that the alliance would be compelled to decide in favour of a republican set-up if the King denied people their rights and remained adamant in his ways. “We have still not decided between a republican set-up and constitutional monarchy,” said United Left Front (ULF) chairman CP Mainali, a partner in the alliance, at a programme at Media Group today. “Possibilities of unity with the King in his autocratic path is impossible.”

He said the King was indulging in “double standards” in words and deeds for “appointing”, what he said, “date-expired” ministers. He came down heavily on the government for imposing prohibitory orders despite the Maoist ceasefire. Rajeswor Devkota of the Rastriyabadi Prajatantrik Morcha Nationalist Democratic Front) said all the forces must be ready for sacrifice for the sake of the country’s sovereignty.