Khanal in his political paper presented at the party´s central committee meeting on Friday said that UML will face the election with its own independent plan, strength and agenda. “But the party will also keep its doors open for an alliance, coordination and cooperation with small left parties and other democratic forces based on local needs and situations," read Khanal´s document. [break]
Stating that the recently-concluded intra-party survey showed the party´s improving relations with the grassroots across the country, Khanal has claimed that the UML will emerge as the largest party in the coming election. "The report based on the figures collected by central representatives from across the country shows a clear and encouraging picture that the situation is in our party´s favor,” said Khanal. He said over 30,000 members from various other rival parties have joined UML in the last six months alone.
Khanal also claimed that the position of the UCPN (Maoist) was weakening and the party may obstruct polls on one or the other pretext.
"As the UCPN (Maoist) does not look at election as a democratic process but rather as a race that must be won, and due to the fact that the party is plagued by intra-party feuds, UCPN (Maoist) may create hindrance in elections under any pretext,” said Khanal.
He has urged the party rank and file to remain alert against any kind of situation that might be created by the UCPN (Maoist) leaders. Khanal has reiterated that the party´s previous evaluation of UCPN (Maoist) as an “opportunist force” was still relevant. He claimed that the UCPN (Maoist)´s “opportunistic, extremist and undemocratic thoughts are still major challenges in writing the new constitution."
He said the demands made by the UCPN (Maoist) leaders in the course of formulating election laws have raised suspicion about their intentions.
While claiming that Nepali Congress can´t be the leader of change in the country, Khanal, however, said that the party´s role can be supportive in completing the tasks of constitution writing.
No postponement of Nov poll date
While emphasizing the need for bringing CPN-Maoist and other dissident political parties on board the election process, Khanal has said that the demand for postponement for November polls can´t be acceptable. “The party´s [CPN-Maoist] readiness for talks should be given a benefit of doubt. UML should take a responsible initiative to include them in the election process and to hold open talks on all issues, while making it a point to conduct the polls on the scheduled date," he said.
According to him, some of the armed outfits in the Tarai region are forging alliances with a plan to hinder the election process. He has urged the concerned agencies to remain alert against such activities.
Khanal´s document also claims that the Madhes-based parties are weakening due to infightings and defections. He believed that the role political parties in trouble might be unfavorable for polls.
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