Addressing an interaction organized by Nepal Tarun Dal in the capital, Poudel said the Maoists had tried to impose authoritarianism through the use of guns and traditional weapons like khukuris and spears. [break]
Poudel recalled that Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, during the High-Level Political Mechanism (HLPM) meeting held in Godavari, had threatened the NC and the UML with war.
"They tried to intimidate us through the use of threatening language at the mechanism meeting," he said. "We have ever since felt that the Maoists would not allow the promulgation of a democratic constitution."
Poudel said differences have surfaced among the political parties as the Maoists proposed undemocratic provisions in the constitution.
Also speaking on the occasion, NC senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said there would be no consensus with the Maoists as long as they fail to demonstrate their commitment to the peace process.
"The Maoists have sought [to form] a government through the use of threats," he said. "The constitution drafting process has faced snags as the Maoists are not willing to conclude the peace process."
Deuba said that unity among the political parties is a must to conclude the peace process and draft a new constitution. He asked the Maoists to withdraw all their protests to accomplish both those tasks.
NC General Secretary KB Gurung said the party should also form youth squads as party cadres are being targeted by YCL cadres.
Another General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi said the Maoists should honestly cooperate with other parties to draft a new constitution as this is an issue of national importance.
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