Jhapa, September 21:

CPN-UML standing committee member KP Sharma Oli today asked the CPN-Maoist to take other political parties into confidence to frame a new constitution and take the ongoing peace process to a logical conclusion.

“As the Maoists are leading the government, it is their prime duty to frame a new constitution. But constitution-making will not be possible unless the Maoists take other parties into confidence,” Oli added.

Speaking at a press meet in Birtamod, the outspoken UML leader said the Maoists were failing to impress people. Saying that only a democratic party can form a new Nepal, Oli asked the Maoists to follow democratic norms and principles. Responding to a query on the future of the CPN-Maoist, Oli described Maoists as a spark. He said the Maoists had learnt a lesson from the Presidential election and had become more alert these days. “They have been saying that they plan to turn on the UML after taming the Nepali Congress. Their plan will never materialise,” he said.

He blamed the Maoists for changing their stance on India after leading the government. “Earlier, they used to advocate the annulment of the 1950 Treaty. These days, they are calling for its revision,” Oli added.

Asked about problems facing the Bhutanese refugees, who have been staying in camps in Jhapa and Morang for two decades, Oli said, “Their rights for repatriation should be honoured.”