Assembly polls will end monarchy: Koirala

Kathmandu, July 5: Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has hinted that the Constituent Assembly polls to be held on November 22 would herald a new era putting an end to the old and remnant state structure in a clear reference to the monarchy.

Mr Koirala while speaking in the Parliament recalled the resolution passed by Mahatma Gandhi during the 'Quit India Movement' against British colonial rulers in which he publicly announced that the colonial rulers would also help the Indians attain freedom by taking to their heels.

Mr Koirala linked the historical event to Nepal's existing state where the feudal monarch is still trying to make his place and said ''The same will hold true for Nepal.'' Mr Koirala publicly urged Gyanendra and his son Paras to leave the throne voluntarily which would create conducive environment for political stability and democracy.

''After the polls, the country will be led toward a new direction and the change to be brought by the polls will usher in a new era bidding adieu to the old one.'' Terming the polls as the final battle, Mr Koirala said ''I have done whatever was deemed of me, but let not the young generation be compelled to take to the streets carrying flags for their democratic rights one more time.'' ''The Day 'November 22' will certainly come and we should be prepared for the Day,'' PM Koirala said adding that ''Change comes from both the barrel of the gun and through peaceful means, but the former has never been able to maintain permanency.'' ''We need to wage a new revolution of social and economic reform and I believe that the revolution will take place.'' All the major political parties except the Nepali Congress have said they would support for republican set up and abolition of monarchy.

Addressing the Parliament, Mr Koirala said ''I request all the parties to take the Constituent Assembly polls as a major issue and make an atmosphere for holding the polls in a peaceful manner.''

UNI