The Hindu : Front Page : Maoists want Koirala to quit to break political deadlock

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Maoists want Koirala to quit to break political deadlock

Prerana Marasini

Nepal’s Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala

KATHMANDU: The Seven Party Alliance (SPA) on Saturday failed to resolve the deadlock over the issues of power-sharing, management of the Maoists’ weapons, and a proposed constitutional amendment.

On Friday, the alliance had failed to arrive at a consensus on these issues. Later, Maoists’ chairman Prachanda had submitted the resignation of Maoist ministers to Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula.

Though the resignations have not been accepted by the Prime Minister’s office, Nepali Congress (NC) leader Bimalendra Nidhi said Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala asked Mr. Prachanda to reconsider the decision. Mr. Nidhi said Mr. Prachanda has not responded to Mr. Koirala’s request. Meanwhile, Maoist leaders want Mr. Koirala to resign. They said the NC has obstructed the process to build a consensus to form a government.

Maoist leader Mohan Baidya, on Saturday, said the impasse could be resolved only after the Prime Minister’s resignation.

Madhesi Janadhikar Forum chairman Upendra Yadav has supported the Maoists on this issue.

“He should resign and facilitate the process of forming new government,” he said.

Mr. Koirala has maintained he would resign as per the rules laid down by the Constitution.

As per the interim Constitution, the Prime Minister can submit his resignation to the President, whom the country is yet to elect.

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