Pokhara, November 22:

Maoist chairman Prachanda today warned that his party would hit the streets for the implementation of the Maoist proposal for fully proportional polls and also press for a change in government if the seven parties did not agree to implement the proposal.

Speaking at an interaction organised by the Kaski chapter of Revolutionary Journalists’ Association, Prachanda said the Maoists will never give up the demand for fully proportional polls. “If the seven parties do not reach consensus on implementing the proposal, we will take to the streets for its implementation. We will also press for a change in government,” he said. He added, “We are in agreement with the CPN-UML proposal for a republic passed by the parliament. The seven parties are at variance with one another on fully proportional polls. That is why the parliament has been stalled.”

Prachanda said that the new agitation by the Maoists would ensure that both proposals

are implemented. He accused the seven parties of being stalwart. Stating that the Nepali Congress was opposed to fully proportional polls, Prachanda said it is because of the NC that the polls were postponed twice.

Stating that India and the western countries were focussing mainly on CA polls, Prachanda said the polls were part of the larger peace process. “The peace process is more

important for us. We are ready to go to the polls anytime,” said Prachanda adding that the peace process and the CA polls should proceed hand in hand.

He stressed that the seven parties should get together to take a decision on change in government in view of the fluid political situation.

Meanwhile, at a question-answer interface programme organised by the BBC World Service Trust, Prachanda said, “I have no lust for the chair of the country’s president, but if the responsibility is placed on my shoulders I will not flinch from accepting it.” He told the audience that Nepal would become a republic having sustainable peace within two years.

Asked why the Maoists have not given up their donation collection drive, he said, “The Maoists are always collecting donations, but never forcibly.” To a question why the Maoists were looting, kidnapping and killing people, Prachanda said, “This is not our party

policy. Any cadre doing these things will be brought to book.” He added that Maoist cadres would hunt up journalist Birendra Shah’s killers and hand them over to the government.