Maoists set to build a new political mainstream in Nepal: Prachanda

Kathmandu, Sep 18 (ANI): UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias 'Prachanda' has said that Maoists are in process of building a new political mainstream for the country.

Nepalnews quoted Prachanda as, saying that we are in process of building a new political mainstream for the country, not to be part of the existing structure, and till the time you all don't realise this fact, the country is bound to suffer."

He said the Maoists agreed to sign the 12-point deal that formed the basis for the peace process not to come into the mainstream of national politics, but to give the country "a new political mainstream".

Announcing his withdrawal of candidacy from the race for the prime minister's post, Prachanda said: "There is no meaning in continuing to contest in the prime ministerial election when seven rounds have remained fruitless.

The Maoist decision came as part of a three-point agreement with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist).

Both parties agreed the repeated failure to elect a Prime Minister had disappointed the sovereign Nepali people and there was a need to initiate a fresh process.

"Prachanda will withdraw from the election," a party statement jointly signed by him and UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal stated.

During the meeting held here, the parties have reached an agreement to initiate the prime ministerial selection process on national consensus basis.

The withdrawal of the Maoists' prime ministerial candidacy and continuation of the UML's neutrality streak in the upcoming elections have also been agreed upon.

Similarly, the parties have decided to appeal to the Nepali Congress (NC) to withdraw its candidacy in order to end the current indecisive electoral procedure.

Talking to reporters after meeting, Narayankaji Shrestha, vice-chairman, UCPN-M said: "The decision would encourage the Nepali Congress to reciprocate. He said both the parties would inform Speaker Subas Chandra Nembang in writing and request him to do the needful.

Shrestha said if need be parliamentary regulations or the interim constitution would be amended on political consensus to pave the way for a new beginning.

Despite seven rounds of voting, neither Prachanda nor Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel have managed to secure support of 300 lawmakers needed for a win.

Poudel is now the sole candidate in the contest. But to get a majority, he will need the support of both the UML and the Madhesi parties in the next round of voting on September 26. (ANI)