Girija likely to hold discussions with Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 13 March: Main opposition leader Girija Prasad Koirala is expected to continue political discussions with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress I President Sonia Gandhi Friday in New Delhi amid Maoist charges former King Gyanendra and political parties are attempting to topple the five-month Maoist-led government.
Koirala flew to the Indian capital this week under cover for medical treatment.
He is expected to be examined by doctors Friday.
Koirala started political discussions in the presence of daughter Sujata by holding discussions with Foreign Minister Pranaj Mukherjee who is well-versed with Nepal’s internal politics.
The president of Nepali Congress also discussed Nepal’s internal politics with main opposition and BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani who could be the next prime minister if the party is swept to power in parliamentary elections later this year.
Koirala also held discussions with BJP Chairman Rajnath Singh.
While Koirala was holding political parleys in the Indian capital, former King Gyanendra was holding discussions with Gujarat Chief Minister and top BJP leader in Ahamadabad.
The former king, now a commoner after a declaration of a republic, is expected to hold discussions with central leaders in New Delhi before returning home later this month.
After India helped to topple the 238-year Shah dynasty, the former king is now acceptable to India where he is on a visit the first time after his ouster.
The former king’s and Koirala’s presence in India has irked Maoists.
Maoist leader and Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai charged in Dolakha Thursday,” Attempts are being made to revive December 1960” on pretext of visits to India by simultaneously on pretext of medical treatment.
PM Prachanda himself has confirmed he spent eight of 10 years of the people’s war in India even as Nepal’s southern neighbour declared Maoists terrorists.
New Delhi helped broker the 2006 12-point agreement between seven parliamentary parties and Maoists.
Top Maoists leaders moved around freely in the corridors of power in the capital even as they were declared terrorists.
CPN-UML leader KP Sharma Oli has just returned from the Indian capital.
Koirala flew to New Delhi as demanded a democratic front to topple the Maoist-led government; Koirala himself led a movement to bring Maoists into the political mainstream with foreign help.
nnnn





PM Prachanda, Chairman Nemwang discuss winter session of parliament

Kathmandu, 13 March: Prime Minister Prachanda and Chairman of the constituent assembly, which is also parliament, Friday held discussions on convening a winter session of the legislature 27 March.
Main opposition Nepali Congress and other parties in parliament, including ruling CPN-UML had demanded a parliamentary session charging Maoists of by-passing parliament and introducing rule through ordinance.
The prime minister is expected to hold discussions with President DrRam Baran Yadav to convene a session.
Nnnn

All 12 holi revelers feared dead in Bajura

Kathmandu, 13 March: All 13 holi revelers are feared dead overnight in Bajura while returning home in a tractor from a festival.
The tractor fell 600 meters off a trail in a remote part of the district where police and army have been deployed in a search operation.
Nnnn