Groundswell of protest after Tihar

Himalayan News Service

RUPANDEHI: Dr Baburam Bhattarai, vice-chairperson, UCPN Maoist, today warned that the mass agitation would gather momentum after Tihar. “The movement will sweep away both the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML from their citadel of power,” he said.

He predicted that the Maoists would grab

power through revolt if the politics of consensus proved to be elusive.

Describing the ongoing talks as a ‘futile’ exercise, he said: “Pulling down the NC and UML by force is the only way to bring them on the right track.”

He urged the party cadres to be prepared for the mass protest.

“There is no point to carry on holding talks. I only attended the parleys for the sake of representation,” he said while addressing a programme, which was held to welcome new entrants to the party.

The function was held in Butwal. He exhorted all and sundry to join the protest, which is aimed at upholding civilian supremacy.

He took a dig at the UML-led ruling coalition for dancing to the tune of external forces. He empathised with the political fluidity of the nation.

He reposed faith in the constitution-drafting process within the stipulated timeframe.

Dr Bhattarai said that the agreement among the parties could be reached only if their demands of civilian supremacy were addressed.

The Maoists are also advocating amendment to the constitution to keep the army under control.