KATHMANDU: Amid speculations that Prime Minister KP Oli dissolved the House of Representatives with “external forces’ backing”, Chairman of the dissident Nepal Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” has hinted at the possibility of some “rightist elements” that prompted PM Oli to take the move.
Prachanda, however, did not categorically mention the name of any country but said, “He (PM Oli) has been maneuvered to take the step.”
In an interview with a television channel Thursday, Prachanda warned that the country would plunge into a “large-scale” disaster if the current situation was prolonged and the PM tried to derail the system.
“I can smell some impending disaster,” he warned.
“Here, what I want to categorically say is that people will not tolerate any regressive steps,” he warned adding that the situation can even go “beyond the grip” if the current political turmoil is not addressed immediately.
Even though he seemed reluctant to categorically name the country, he raised the suspicion of some “external elements” behind PM Oli’s what he said “regressive steps”.
“Yes, there are some elements, including the rightist (pro-monarchists) forces behind all these developments,” he said, adding, “We have seen and witnessed some visits and frequent meetings in the last few months. Doesn’t this justify?”
Prachanda warned people will not keep silent if democracy is derailed. “But be assured, I will, however, continue to protest in a peaceful manner.”
The country will plunge into a “large scale” crisis if the system is derailed.
Responding to a query about the probability of the institution of monarchy making a comeback, Prachanda said, “I don’t see any such possibility.”
He, however, hastened to add that he was ready to sacrifice for the sake of the constitution, republicanism, and the country suggesting a “high time” that all political parties and people united to defeat this regression.
“Let me remind you that our strength is the people, including the “best brains” in the country who are against PM Oli’s move and who want to protect the constitution,” a confident Prachanda said.
“I want to reiterate my commitment of protecting the constitution, democracy, and this system at any cost,” he said in the course of the interview, however, labeling the current political situation “challenging”.
Prachanda, once the supreme commander of the erstwhile Maoist party, which waged a decade-long insurgency, also said he would not make any comment on the issue that is sub-judice in the Supreme Court.
“I, however, am certain that the verdict will come in our favor,” he said.
He also expressed the hope of being the authentic Nepal Communist Party and get the Sun as the election symbol.
Asked to comment whether there was a slim chance of “patching up” with Prime Minister KP Oli in the near future, Prachanda said, “No, not immediately, not even for at least three-four years.”
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