Prachanda regrets Indian PM’s NC, UML remark

Rupandehi, June 6:

Chairman of the CPN-Maoist Pushpa Kamal Dahal, aka Prachanda, today said constituent assembly election will not be possible until the eight political parties reach a consensus on either a ceremonial monarchy or a republican set-up in the country.

Addressing a press meet organised here by the Lumbini chapter of Revolutionary Journalists’ Association Nepal, Prachanda also regretted Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s reported statement on the need of permanent alliance between Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML to ensure democracy and lasting peace in Nepal. The Indian premier had said so during a meeting with CPN-UML leaders in New Delhi recently. “It is unfortunate that New Delhi thinks that way,” Prachanda said.

Saying that such a decision of India, if true, would be against the interests of both Nepal and

India, he said: “New Delhi should instead help foster unity among the eight parties.”

Prachanda said the “harsh” remark of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on the Maoists’ sister organisation, the Young Communist League (YCL), hints at the change in the current political situation in Nepal. He said he would talk to Koirala on the issue after he returns to the capital.

On rumours of King Gyanendra taking some kind of action in June/July, he said that if the king takes such a step, it would only strengthen the unity of the republicans. Prachanda, who arrived in Kapilvastu yesterday, returned to the capital today via Butwal.