Govt inviting confrontation: Thapa

The talks between the High Level Political Committee (HLPC) and the 33-party alliance led by CPN-Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya foundered after the former refused to defer the polls and dissolve the Khil Raj Regmi led government. Following the development CPN-Maoist General Secretary Ram Bahadur Thapa had reached Birgunj on Sunday to attend the party´s anti-poll campaign. Republica correspondent Ritesh Tripathi caught up with Thapa. Excerpts:



The government is still willing to hold talks with your party. What plans does your party have for the days ahead?

First, we should understand that national integrity is under threat. We are trying to explain it to the people that our demands are for safeguarding national integrity. For this, we are holding various programs both at the national and district level. We came here to Birgunj today just to inform the people that our demands are aimed at safeguarding national integrity. [break]



So your party aims to foil the election process?

First, let me clear that we are not an anti-poll force. We are just opposing the polls to be held under the present circumstances. The four political parties represented in the High Level Political Committee should be held responsible for failing to bring the dissident parties on board. We are ready to hold talks if our 18-point demands are fulfilled.



Your party claims to have exercised flexibility but you are still insisting on the 18-point demand?

We are adopting maximum flexibility. But HLPC and the Regmi-led government have been ignoring our demands. In fact, we are ready to make some changes in our 18-point demand as well. Being ready for talks is a sign of flexibility. We have received yet another invitation for talks and we have welcomed it. We are holding talks with the constituent parties of the alliance regarding the government´s invitation.



But your party is simultaneously directing the cadres to obstruct the poll process.

We are ready to hold talks to resolve the impasse. But if the talks fail we will take to the streets to foil the election process.



But people are in favor of peace and not yet another revolt?

Certainly people are in the favor of peace and they expect that every political dispute should be resolved peacefully. I can´t deny the fact that people are disappointed. At this point of time people are in a “wait and watch” mood. It is the government that is inviting confrontation by not addressing the concerns of the disgruntled parties.

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