Kathmandu, October 25

There are no permanent friends or foes in politics and bête noires can soon become allies.

Proving the adage right, CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is preparing to contest parliamentary polls from his home district of Chitwan, sought the support of CPN-UML leader Devi Gyawali who was defeated by Dahal’s daughter Renu in Bharatpur metropolis mayoral race.

Gyawali, whose support for Dahal can be crucial in Chitwan, was present today when Dahal  met UML Chair KP Sharma Oli at the latter’s residence in Balkot.

Gyawali who had maintained persistent lead in the vote counting lost Bharatpur mayoral race by 203 votes to Renu, who was a common candidate of the CPN-MC and the Nepali Congress.

Relations between the CPN-UML and CPN-MC had soured after CPN-MC cadres tore some ballot papers of Ward No 19 of Bharatpur metropolis, resulting in re-polling there. Vote counting was halted for several days, as the issue went to the Supreme Court. The UML had demanded continuation of vote counting while the CPN-MC had demanded re-polling in the ward. Relations between the UML and the CPN-MC became so bitter that UML Chair Oli, in an oblique reference to Dahal, said at a poll campaign rally during the local polls that he was not campaigning to secure victory for any leader’s son or daughter.

Dahal is the common candidate of the CPN-MC and CPN-UML in Chitwan’s Constituency No 3 for the parliamentary poll scheduled for December 7.

Gyawali said he was ready to forget what happened during the mayoral race and would back Dahal if that was his party’s wish. He said he was in favour of the left alliance, as it could ensure political stability and prosperity. “I am an honest political worker of my party and I am ready to take whatever responsibility the party gives,” he added.

Gyawali said today’s meeting dwelt on issues related to the recently held local polls and upcoming provincial and parliamentary polls. He told Dahal that Bikram Pandey of Rastriya Prajtantra Party-Democratic, who is democratic alliance’s candidate for Chitwan’s Constituency No 3, would be a tough contender.

Sources said the left alliance might include Gyawali in the proportional representation list for the Parliament.