No President, PM post to NC or CPN-UML: Prachanda

Kathmandu, May 31: In what may be a sign of renewed political stalemate in the Himalayan Nation after the declaration of republic on May 28, Maoists Chairman Prachanda has ruled out giving the post of President to either Nepali Congress (NC) or CPN-UML and has warned proclamation of Communist Republic. ''If the NC and UML do not mend their ways, that may invite a communist republic,'' he claimed.

''Those overthrown by the people have been pretending shamelessly to be the winners,'' he said. He accused the NC and UML leaders of acting as champions of republic, federalism and inclusive agendas. He vented his ire mainly against the NC and the CPN-UML for claiming the top posts.

Speaking at the party"s General Assembly organised at Tundikhel in Kathmandu, Prachanda said that the parties claiming to move forward with agreement between the major parties are themselves working against the agreement. The Maoist supremo remarked that handing the posts of Prime Minister and President to the Nepali Congress or the CPN-UML would be an insult to the people and their mandate garnered through the CA polls.

He also clarified that the Maoists will carry out their responsibility as the largest party in the CA and expressed willingness to form the next government by including representatives from other parties as well. “We were and are ready to accept the posts of President and Vice-President for the implementation of a republic in the country. However, we have not agreed to hand over the post of President, prime minister or speaker of the CA to any of the other parties," Kantipur quoted Prachanda, as saying.

Meanwhile, a bomb went off at Ratna Park in Kathmandu near the Tundikhel grounds, at about six in the evening causing no damage. Another bomb planted at the same place failed to ignite and was quickly defused by the police. The last few days have seen a number of blasts caused by socket bombs at different places in Kathmandu.

Ranbir Sena, a pro-Hindu group, has taken responsibility for most of the blasts.

ANI