Rupandehi, February 24:

Maoist chairperson Prachanda said discussion has been initiated among eight political parties over the issue of passing the proposal of republic from the legislative parliament.

Addressing a gathering organised at Siddheshwori Secondary School in Butwal today, Prachanda said: “As conspiracies have been hatched to foil the constituent assembly (CA) poll, the eight parties have initiated discussion over passing the proposal of republic from legislative parliament.”

Saying that there would be nobody to cast vote against republic in the legislative parliament, Prachanda said: “The king, with the support of the army might not leave the palace; so, there is the need for another agitation and only people can oust the king from the palace.”

Saying that monarchy would dismantle after lakhs of people gherao the Narayanhiti Palace, Prachanda said people should not miss such a historical moment. “Proportional and federal system are not possible until monarchy exists in the country,” Prachanda said.

Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai said conflict of balance of power among parliamentary parties, monarchy and the Maoists has been going on. The agents of conspiracy would not support the king, but there is the chance of military coup, Bhattarai said, adding republic could be announced by amending the interim constitution if the seven parties are agreed on that. Bhattarai urged the agitating Madhesis and janajatis not to stage agitation through any political party.