"Foreign forces are actively working to disrupt the Constituent Assembly election fearing that the leftists will sweep the polls. We are ready to launch revolt if the election is derailed."
Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, Maoist chairman, speaking in Butwal.
"The decision] doesn't reflect the majority view of the people. This isn't democracy."
King Gyanendra, on the decision of seven parties to write republic in the interim constitution, during his interaction with a group of Japanese journalists, in Yomiuri Shimbun.
"The April election of Constituent Assembly is a strong platform to address challenges faced by Nepal."
Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister of Norway, who paid a short visit to Nepal.
"The Jana Andolon II had given the mandate of holding the Constituent Assembly election and reinstating the parliament standing on the 1990 constitution, but the government was compelled to write the interim constitution due to the Maoists."
Sujata Koirala, Minister without portfolio, addressing a Tarun Dal function in Siraha.
"The election cannot be held without addressing Madhesi movement. An environment conducive for election must be created within a week through dialogue with Madhesi groups."
Surya Bahadur Thapa, former prime minister and president of Rastriya Janashakti Party (RJP).
"The government had to conduct a raid in places that are operated like barracks. Even UML cadres were put in those places and tortured."
Madhav Kumar Nepal, general secretary of Unified Marxist Leninist (UML), backing the police raids at YCL offices.
"The raids at YCL offices were conducted to disrupt the election."
Ganesh Man Pun, chief of Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League (YCL).
"It was nonsensical to broach the issue at the seven party meeting. If the Prime Minister had so desired, he could have summoned the vice chancellors and ordered them to suspend the election since he is the chancellor (of the universities)."
Iswor Pokharel, senior leader of UML, expressing his displeasure at the decision of seven party steering committee to advise for suspending the election of Free Students Union (FSU), slated to take place in affiliate colleges of the Tribhuwan University and Nepal Sanskrit University on February 28.
"The parties that made such proposal (to suspend FSU election) have given out signals that they do not want the CA election as well."
Thakur Gaire, president of student wing ANNFSU affiliated with the UML, at a press meet.
Transition:
RETURNED: Jens Stoltenberg, Prime Minister of Norway, after wrapping up a 20-hour visit to Nepal.
HANDED OVER: Dr. Amit Kumar, alleged kingpin of kidney racket, who was arrested by Nepal Police from Chitwan on February 7, to the Indian authorities.
PASSED AWAY: Gopal Raj Mainali, senior comedian, at the age of 65. He is survived by one son and two daughters.
APPOINTED: Bishal Khanal, as the secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, by the cabinet.
APPROVED: The funding for the multi-million-dollar Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP), by the board of directors of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
REVIVED: The Peoples' Revolutionary Council units by the Maoists.
