Leaders of major political parties have said that the address by His Majesty the King is not directed towards resolving the problems dogging the country at present.

In his address to the nation Wednesday morning, on the occasion of first anniversary of the royal takeover, King Gyanendra refused to give up his direct rule of the country.

Bam Dev Gautam (File Photo)

Bam Dev Gautam (File Photo)
Talking to Nepalnews, a senior leader of the CPN (UML), Bam Dev Gautam, said that the royal address was fruitless and aimed at continuing the King’s autocratic move, which was started on February 1 last year.”

“The address is not positive. The King’s speech is the result of the failure in all fronts over the last year and an attempt to give continuity to the unconstitutional and undemocratic move,” Gautam said.

Gautam said the agitation by the seven political parties will continue and that expressed confidence that it will restore peace and stability in the country putting an end to what he called the “autocratic royal regime.”

The seven agitating political parties are protesting against the February 1 royal takeover of last year demanding early restoration of what they call ‘total democracy’ in the country.

Spokesperson of Nepali Congress, Krishna Sitaula, said the royal address would further complicate the problems dogging the country.

“The King tried to justify his autocratic rule through the royal address, which has no meaning,” he added.

Sitaula alleged that the King was not serious towards the country and people but only at prolonging his autocratic rule

Referring to the municipal polls, Sitaula said the King’s reference about the municipal polls, which have already failed, is ridiculous.

The alliance of seven agitating political parties is actively boycotting the municipal elections slated for February 8.

Talking to Nepalnews, general secretary of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Dipak Bohara, described the royal address as the continuity of the King’s royal move of February 1, 2005.

The King’s commitment towards multi-party democracy is a positive step but there is nothing towards reconciliation to resolve the problems facing the country, he added.

“His Majesty should initiate some efforts for the reconciliation but that is lacking in his address,” said Bohara, adding, dialogue is the only way out to resolve the present crisis in the country.