Birgunj, June 14

Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal leader Rajendra Mahato has warned that the government’s pigheadedness in pressing ahead with the upcoming second phase local elections on June 28 would land the country in a grave crisis.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the party in Ghantaghar, Birgunj’s  today, the RJP-N leader said it is up to the government to choose the direction in leading the country. “We’re ready to go to the polls if the government is ready to address our demands and puts off Friday’s nomination of election candidates, otherwise we’re ready to fight,” he said.

“No force can hold election in the Madhes until RJP-N participates in the polls. Attempts to resort to force will only cause bloodshed,” he warned, adding that the form of the present agitation will change only after the upcoming election in the 19 districts in the Tarai is halted.

Venting his ire on the apathy of the government to fulfil even the simple demand for treatment expenses to the injured in the Madhes agitation and withdrawal of cases filed against their cadres and declaring those that died martyrs, Mahato warned that obstinacy of the incumbent Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba might be detrimental.