“Without alternative arrangements the government cannot withdraw the decision,” said Dahal speaking at a function in Butwal. The Maoist chairman who arrived in Butwal to train the party cadres argued that the implementation of the government decision was essential to solve the problems originating from the past conflict. Defending the government, Dahal said the decision was normal. [break]
The main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML have been obstructing parliamentary proceedings calling on the government to revoke the decision. “It is not only the problem of the Maoists, but also of the NC, UML and the peasants,” Dahal said. He also said that the stalled peace process would move ahead despite serious obstacles on the way.
He said the task of sending homes the combatants who opted for voluntary retirement will begin from Tuesday and that the process of the integration and rehabilitation will also begin soon.
Dahal said he has proposed forming of a national consensus government with the NC and the UML after the peace process makes headway. He said a leader from any political party could be the prime minister of such a government.
He, however, stated that if a national consensus government is formed under the Maoist party, Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai himself will lead such a government.
Speaking at the same function, Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya however stated that the party will hold discussions before deciding who will head a national consensus government.
“We will discuss who will head the national consensus government. There is no consensus on Bhattarai leading such a government,” he said.
Bhattarai, on the other hand, said that the stalled peace process got a momentum after he was elected prime minister.
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