Prachanda says he didn't propose Girija Prasad Koirala as PM

Kathmandu, Oct 6 (ANI): Maoist chairman Prachanda has dismissed news reports that he offered Prime Minister's post to Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala during a secret meeting held at former royal aide Lokman Singh Karki's house on Sunday.

Speaking at a programme here on Monday, Prachanda said, "The rumours that he offered support to Koirala as the next Prime Minister were baseless.

He said the meeting with Koirala was just concentrated on finding a solution to the current political stalemate by addressing the issues concerning the President's move.

Prachanda also said his party was firm in its stance that a national government should be formed under the Maoist leadership.

Leaders of the Nepali Congress and other ruling allies have reacted sharply to the secret meeting held and 'offer' to Koirala.

Meanwhile, Energy Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has accused Maoists of engaging in a strategy to split his party Nepali Congress (NC) by proposing Koirala as the Prime Minister.

"The recent spate of meetings between the leaders of the UCPN (M), the NC and the CPN-UML is to resume the House proceedings which remains obstructed due to Maoists insistence on what they call civilian supremacy.

He also said that Maoists are just using G.P Koirala as a pawn to get back into power, Nepalnews reported. (ANI)