Maoist ideologue Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, in an interview to a daily on Sunday, has urged political parties to build a national consensus “working together with Nepali Congress” to resolve the current deadlock.

In an interview to Kantipur and the Kathmandu Post, Bhattarai revealed that his party had suggested the same to UML’s General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal during the Lucknow talks.

Dr. Bhattarai, referring to Nepal’s history, said the King has always curtailed people’s rights with the help of the army. “We want such traditions to come to an end forever.”

Dr. Bhattarai “pleased with the present political development” said that the triangular conflict in Nepali politics was developing to a bipolar conflict of pro-monarchy forces and anti-monarchy democratic forces. “The climax of this polarization will solve the present crisis,” he said.

Referring to the recent royal audiences to the political leaders, Bhattarai said it was as nothing more than the King’s “ploy” to divide the democratic forces.

Dr. Bhattarai also claimed that international power centres were also in favour of an alliance between the parliamentary forces and Maoists for a progressive political exit and peace in Nepal.

Concerning the recent comment of Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Maoist’s leader, regarding their acceptance of Monarchy in Nepal under some conditions, Dr. Bhattarai said,” It is not based on reality; it was our earlier standpoint; now we are firm in our belief and it is ‘republic’.” nepalnews.com pd Jan 25