Declaring republic without NC’s wish is not possible: Minister Pokharel

Minister for Health and Population Giriraj Mani Pokharel has said that declaring the country a republic against Nepali Congress’s wishes and holding Constituent Assembly election without Maoists participating in it is impossible.

Speaking at a programme in Gaighat of Udaypur district, Minister Pokharel said that the seven parties are holding discussions to build a new agreement in order to ensure implementation of the proposal on turning the country a republic and adopting a proportional representation based electoral system.

During discussions with local leaders and activists of the seven parties and said that “leftist unity is necessary to pave a way out from the current crisis.”

Pokharel, who represents the Janamorcha Nepal in the cabinet, also made it clear that the call for unity among the leftist parties should not be inferred that it is to fight the Nepali Congress. “Rather it will further consolidate the seven party unity,” he said.

Arguing that at a time when Nepali Congress is also waking up to the importance of declaring the country a republic, Minister Pokharel said that Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala should lead the pro-republican front.

He also asked the Maoists to leave their meaningless stance and be ready for the Constituent Assembly election. nepalnews.com ag Nov 18 07