Kathmandu, January 10:

Senior Maoist leader Mohan Baidya ‘Kiran’ today said his party was least bothered about CPN-UML’s threat to quit the coalition government.

“We are not power-hungry. We do not mind even if the UML pulls out of the government. Our main concern is to take the peace process to a logical end and to write the constitution on time,” Baidya told mediapersons while releasing a cassette on Dr Upendra Mahato for the welfare of the National Physically-Disabled Association of Nepal at the Reporters’ Club Nepal.

He said it was natural for the opposition to criticise the government. “But it is unnatural for a coalition partner to oppose the government,” Baidya said, adding, “It is irresponsible on the part of CPN-UML to say that it holds the key whether to give continuity to the government or topple it.”

Baidya said the “parliament and the streets would be open” for his party if the coalition partners chose to walk out of the Maoist-led government.

He also criticised foreign countries for meddling in Nepal’s internal affairs. “Foreign interference in Nepal’s internal affairs has intensified recently, particularly over the appointment of chief priest at Pashupatinath,” he said. It was natural to replace the old South Indian chief priest with a new one after he put in his papers, he said.

He also objected to the encroachment upon Nepal’s 11 ropanis of land by the Indian side in Pashupatinagar of Ilam while constructing a road. “India should have intimated with Nepal before initiating the construction,” he said.