Biratnagar, June 11

Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal leader Rajendra Mahato today said incumbent Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was attempting to commit a second blunder after assuming the post of the country’s chief executive.

Speaking at a press meet in Biratnagar today, Mahato said that as many as 17,000 Nepalis were killed due to Deuba’s mistake around 22 years ago, while he as PM. “If Sher Bahadur Deuba, as then PM, had taken the 40-point demand put forth by the insurgent Maoists, the decade-long insurgency would not have taken place in the country. Hence, Deuba committed the first mistake by ignoring the demands put forth by the rebellious Maoist party then.

“Likewise, PM Deuba is preparing to hold the elections of the local bodies prior to constitution amendment. This will be his second biggest mistake,” said Mahato.

Arguing that elections in which RJP Nepal doesn’t take part will be meaningless, Mahato stressed on deferring the poll date to address the key concerns of Madhes-based communities, at the earliest. “If the government forces the local level election prior to statute amendment, the country will witness a great disaster,” warned Mahato.

Mahato also demanded withdrawal of cases filed against various leaders during the Madhes agitation. “The government is imposing elections to implement the statute, which is discriminatory. If polls are held without the consent of the Tarai people, they will protest it vehemently,” argued Mahato.