Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba Tuesday said Maoists are welcome to participate in the November 13 snap poll but doubted they will participate. “They are just throwing a bait; the government will not bite it,” Deuba said.

Deuba again reiterated the rebels must surrender their arms to participate in the vote. Deuba was addressing his party’s regional meet in Nepalgunj after similar meetings in Biratnagar, Pokhara, Pokhara, Janakpur, Birgunj and Butwal after last month’s split in the ruling Nepali Congress Party.