PACHANDA REBUTS NC CLAIM; OTHER DETAILS

By Bhola B. Rana

Kathmandu, 17 Sept.: Without mincing words, Maoist Chairman Prachanda told more than 3,000 NC delegate at its12th convention the party of Girija Prasad Koirala didn’t Maoists into the political mainstream.
“Nepali Congress didn’t bring Maoists into the mainstream. We started it together,”
He added;” I had a special relationship with Girija. This was special relationship. We were very close.”
Prachanda confirmed he quit the race for prime minister Friday at a meeting with UML.
“As the biggest party, I have left the race for prime minister. I am not in the race. We opted for national understanding and new understanding,” the Maoist chief said while confirming UML will no longer be neutral in voting.
Both communist parties decided not to participate in voting and as a result the 8th round vote 26 September will also be indecisive.
He asked NC convention to discuss an outlet to the deadlock.
“Peace process has reached a difficult period,” Prachanda said and asked,” Who spoilt the environment created by Girija and Maoists?”
He reiterated Maoists were being ‘isolated’ and asked: “Is this because Maoists have become the largest party?”.
Prachanda ‘drew the attention’ of Indian guests at the convention.
He said India was interfering in the media and parliamentary elections.
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