Maoists, Madhesis to form govt: Bhattarai

Kathmandu, May 17 (UNI) In order to break the political deadlock in Nepal, Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist is comtemplating joining hands with arch rival Madhesi parties to form a coalition government, after Nepali Congress(NC) and CPN-UML refused support.

''Maoists are planning to form a new coalition government with Madhesi parties,'' senior Maoist leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai was quoted as saying by Kantipur yesterday.

''Since the Maoists and Madhesi parties have a clear mandate from the people through the Constituent Assembly, they will form the new government,'' Mr Bhattarai said, while inaugurating the annual general convention of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

''Except the Maoist and Madhesi parties, all were swept away in the polls,'' Mr Bhattarai claimed, adding ''So an alliance between the Madhesi parties and the Maoists is inevitable.'' He also accused the NC and UML of holding on to power under some pretext or the other even after their defeat in the polls.

''They are making attempts to remain in power against the people's verdict but they are sure to fail,'' the Maoist leader remarked and added, ''The people would take to the streets if the Maoists are denied a chance to form the government.'' Mr Bhattarai left no stone unturned to woo the business community's support for Maoists and complained that the latter have not yet fully won them over despite sincere efforts.

He claimed that the Maoist government to come would further consolidate ties with India for the sake of Nepal's economic development.

''India's economy is an ocean and ours is a well,'' he said adding ''India's minor assistance in this context would be a great boost for us.'' The Maoist leader, whose labour wing has been solely blamed for leading to the closure of a number of industries, also pledged that there will be complete industrial security after Maoists come to power. He appealed to the business community to invest more in commerce and industry.

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