Baidya warns retaliation if army mobilised to suppress protest

Kathmandu: CPN-Maoist chairman Mohan Baidya has warned that they will not remain mute spectators if the Nepal Army (NA) is mobilised to suppress their poll boycott programmes. Talking today with Rishi Dhamala for The RD Show, a talk show of Himalayan Television, Baidya said, “we will retaliate if our poll boycott programmes are suppressed using the Nepal Army.”
Unlike speculated by others, Baidya clarified that they will not raise arms. He said that they will actively boycott the polls mobilising the people, adding that they do not have any immediate plans to go underground. Commenting on the rising cases of violence in the run-up to the CA polls, Baidya dismissed the accusation that his party was behind those incidents. He said that his party does not believe on the violent activities like abduction of the candidates, arson and bombings.
Reiterating the demand of poll postponement, he claimed that country could not move ahead without consensus. During the interview, Baidya also expressed commitment to go for the polls if new date of polls is announced through consensus by postponing the scheduled polls for November 19. He said his party will not withdraw the 10-day nationwide bandha called by poll-opposing 33-party alliance unless their demand is met. “Bandha will be withdrawn if the polls are cancelled. Otherwise we will continue with our bandha programmes as announced,” he said.
Arguing that he had struggled for more than 50 years for the CA, he claimed that he was not against the constitution through the CA. “CA through this election cannot deliver the people’s constitution so there is not point of taking part in this process,” Baidya said.
Baidya revealed that they are holding informal talks with the government and other political parties. “Though informal talks are underway, we are not going to take part in this election at any cost,” he said.
Commenting on the UCPN (Maoist) proposal to offer them 26 seats of the CA through the cabinet appointment, Baidya said they will not be a part of the upcoming CA despite as many as seats they are provided.