JANAKPUR: President Dr Ram Baran Yadav and former king Gyanendra Shah today offered puja in the Ram Janaki Temple here on the occasion of Ram Nawami.

Talking briefly to journalists outside the temple premises, Dr Yadav said that he came to offer puja on the occasion of Ram Nawami. He added, “I came to offer puja wishing for peace in the country and prosperity of the Nepali people.”

Talking about the present political situation, he said, “The statute should be drafted within the stipulated time and there should be peace in the country.”

President Yadav had arrived at his native village of Sapahi three days ago.

Yadav reached the Janaki Temple along with his security and government officials. He was welcomed by Mahanta Roshan Das Baishnav.

He spent some 20 minutes in the temple. He, however, did not participate in the programme organised to felicitate him by the Yadav Dharma Sanstha due to security reasons. Security officials had suggested Yadav not to participate in the programme citing security reasons. President Yadav returned to Sapahi after offering the puja.

Meanwhile, former king Gyanendra Shah who was also in town to offer puja at the Janaki temple said that he wanted peace and security to prevail in the country.

Talking to media persons at the residence of former assistant minister, Dr Asarfi Shah, the former king said, “The wish of the general people is my wish.”

Shah said that he was very happy to meet the general public in the pious vicinity of Janaki temple.

Personalities including Hem Bahadur Malla, Asarfi Shah and Udayakant Thakur, who supported the king and monarchy had welcomed the former king at the airport. A large number of commoners were also present at the airport. They chanted slogans demanding restoration of Hindu state and revival of monarchy.

Asked whether he would be involved in active politics, Shah did not respond.