King Gyanendra continued his consultations with political leaders on Tuesday as the seven opposition parties continued their general strike across the country.
The King gave an audience to former Prime Minister and leader of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Lokendra Bahadur Chand at the Narayanhity Royal in the evening. Chand had nearly an one-hour long one-to-one with the King from 5:30 p.m.
Talking to reporters after the royal audience, Chand said he was hopeful for early return to democracy. “I hope for positive step [from the King]. I can’t say anything more,” he said.
Similarly, the King gave separate audiences to former Prime Minister Marich Man Singh Shrestha and RPP chairman Pashupati SJB Rana. Rana was the last to meet the King. He was still inside the palace until 7:15 p.m.
On Monday, the King held separate meetings with former prime ministers KP Bhattrai and Surya Bahadur Thapa. The previous day, he had given separate audiences to the ambassadors of India, USA and China. nepalnews.com mk Apr 18 08