Prez tells Dahal not to run from duty

 President Ram Baran Yadav on Friday evening held a meeting with UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and discussed the election scenario including the concerns raised by the Maoist party.

The duo talked about the poll outcome, the frustration expressed by the Maoist party over its performance and the future political scenario.
According to President’s Press Advisor Rajendra Dahal, Yadav told Dahal that winning or losing election are part of political life and asked him not to be distressed.

“The political and peace process that begun in 2006 is the cornerstone of the ongoing process and you are a part of it. Though some tangible progress was made, the work is yet to be completed in your companionship,” Yadav told Dahal.

Dahal was told that he is the main actor of the ongoing political process and it is his responsibility to complete the historic task.

“Winning fewer or more seats in election is a regular phenomenon in politics. But leaders like you should not be distressed by the results,” Yadav suggested Dahal.

“You have the key responsibility to contribute to completing the process so you cannot abstain from the task,” Yadav had told Dahal.

Dahal responded by saying that he will remain within the process. “We are not going to pull out of the process but we seriously doubt the outcome of the polls,” Dahal reportedly told Yadav.

Dahal also apprised Yadav of “the conspiracies being hatched against his party”, saying that he had found some evidence of rigging and irregularities during the polls. This is the first meeting between Yadav and Dahal after Tuesday’s polls.

Meanwhile, the UCPN (Maoist) has called its leaders and candidates to Kathmandu to asses the election outcome. The party is holding meetings of its central leaders on Saturday and Sunday.

The party is expected to come up with a formal position on its future move after assessing ground reports.