Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 10:

Former prime minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand today criticised prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba for being “least bothered” on restoring peace but continuously expressing his commitment on holding elections. This, he said, could be a tactic to lengthen his tenure.

Chand’s argument was that Deuba should rather try to make a consensus among all democratic forces.

“Merely talking about elections won’t do. It is high time the government take serious initiative to establish peace in the country,” Chand said at an interaction at Reporters’ Club here today.

“I don’t understand where and how the government will conduct elections,” he added saying security of voters and the candidates would be the main concern if any election is held.

He labelled the government as a “dead horse” and added, it would be foolish to try to wake it up by whipping. “The government has failed in all aspects, including maintaining peace, law and order situation,” the former prime minister said.

“It would be nothing but foolishness to try to wake it up...it will never wake up,” he said.

Stating that he was a “bit discouraged” with the current situation, Chand said he has failed to reach to a certain decision on the prevailing crises. “I feel I have been discouraged now,” he said adding, “There are many people who are making the utmost advantage of the current situation in the name of peace.” He emphasised on national consensus by keeping aside all minor differences rather than blaming one after another.

Thapa to remain aloof

KATHMANDU: Citing “serious policy differences” in the breakaway faction of the RPP led by former prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa, ex-minister Kamal Thapa, considered a close aide of former prime minister Thapa, said in a statement on Monday that he had decided to remain aloof from the faction. “We headed to form a new democratic force, but I have decided to remain aloof,” Thapa said, adding, however, that efforts to form a new democratic force would continue. RPP spokesperson Roshan Karki declined to comment on Thapa’s statement. — HNS