"If the government continues to spread terror in the country, we would also be compelled to resort to measures that is being employed by the Maoist rebels."

Madhav Kumar Nepal, UML general secretary, protesting alleged rigging by the government in constituency no. 4 in Rautahat-- his home district.

* * *

"Those who tend to unfold their umbrellas in Kathmandu when it rains in New Delhi can't safeguard our national interest."

Pashupati Shumsher J. B. Rana, General Secretary of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, in Ravivar.

* * *

"This (the by-election results) is clearly an indication of the good work carried out by the government over the last six months. In fact, I had not anticipated of winning more than one seat in the by-elections."

Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, talking to reporters at his residence in Baluwatar,.

* * *

"It was thought that the majority government could expose the consiparies of the past. But it is still embedded within the same conspiracy."

Girija Prasad Koirala, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President, addressing his party's workers in Syangja.

* * *

"Perhaps people might have voted thinking that Nepali Congress was in power."

Yuva Raj Gyawali, UML standing committee member, explaining about the reasons behind the poll debacle of his party in recent by-elections, in Aparanha.

* * *

"If those creating unrest and unleashing terrorism stop their act, I will ask police not only to strip of their guns but also of their sticks."

Sher Bahadur Deuba, former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress leader, addressing a function organized on the occasion of the UN Human Rights Day.

* * *

"In a country where billions of rupees are siphoned off through corruption, I don't agree that spending two to three millions to conduct special session of the Parliament will add to price rise."

Narayan Man Bijukchhe, President of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, in Bimarsha.

* * *

"When I was appointed at the NOC, it had only Rs 400 million in its cash reserves. Now the reserves have gone up to Rs 2000 million. How could you say that I am pushing the Corporation to the verge of collapse?"

Yuba Raj Sharma, Executive Director of Nepal Oil Corporation, defending allegations that NOC's performance has worsened during his tenure.

* * *