Home Minister Khum Bahadur Khadka told journalists in Bhairaba Friday the army will adopt a more aggressive stance against Maoists  after August 31.

“Security forces are currently consolidating their position. The army will be more aggressive against the Maoists after August 31 to prepare an atmosphere for elections. “Government has adequate resources and manpower to  eliminate terrorism,” Khadka said.

He was in town to address activists of the ruling party. Snap elections are being held on November 13.

Government ministers have said the emergency will be lifted for the elections as some critics of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba doubt if the vote will be free and fair; others even doubt if elections will be held.

The Royal Nepalese Army will have a new Chief of the Army Staff in Gen. Pyar Jung Thapa by August 31; Chief of Staff Gen. Prajwalla SJB Rana is scheduled to go on leave prior to retirement in the second week of August.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)  has sought suggestions from district units on possible alliances with other parties for the upcoming vote. The party’s parliamentary committee Friday called for suggestions by September 5.

The Nepali Congress Party is unlikely to regain a majority in the elections because of a split in the ruling party following a power struggle between the Deuba and the Girija Prasad Koirala factions. The schism between the two groups is widening with the almost daily public exchange of personal abuses.

The RPP, the third largest party in the dissolved parliament, has predicted no party will gain a majority and is pushing for an alliance to maximize its seats in the next parliament. The UML is confidently preparing for the vote. nepalnews.com br July 27