"Nepali people will elect Baburam a new prime minister not the foreigners," said Dr Bhattarai during a press conference organized by Revolutionary Journalists Association, Morang.[break] "A large number of people have voted to make Baburam a new prime minister even in television surveys. Perhaps you might also have voted for me."
Bhattarai claimed that certain forces were at work to eclipse his popularity among the people. "Such a tendency is unhealthy whether it is within the party or outside."
Stressing the need for a consensus government to deliver peace and constitution in the country, Bhattarai said, the UCPN (Maoist), as per its line, is ready to hold negotiations with other political parties.
"Let us forge consensus on all three issues including peace, constitution and government," he said, adding, " There is no possibility of ending the current deadlock if the parties remain stuck to their stances."
He also took strong exception to statements claiming that the UCPN (Maoist) was yet to transform into a civilian party. "The UCPN (Maoist) is a civilian party as it has entered the peace process. Those who claim otherwise have not understood the essence of the peace process," he argued. "The Maoists are ready to find solutions to all problems through a package deal."
He also clarified that the Maoists floated the proposal of strategic alliance of China, India and Nepal and stated that the proposal was aimed at economic development, not the resolution of the current political deadlock.
"We have asked to explore truth"
Dr Bhattarai has admitted that he presented the contents of his political paper among leaders and cadres of the party´s Kochila State Committee.
"I have put my views with my colleagues and have asked them to explore the truth," he said. "There is discussion and debate in a vibrant party. This is not for promoting factionalism."
He said that the extended plenum will hold discussions on all three political papers including those prepared by Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and another Vice chairman Mohan Baidya.
"This will bring new unity in the party," he said. "I have not come here to count head or lobby for my proposal."
Related story
President-elect Paudel visits Bhattarai Ashram in Bandegaun
