Three party leaders warn of defying banda

Kathmandu: Second rung leaders of three major political parties -UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML) – have vowed to defy the banda programme imposed by the poll opposing CPN-Maoist-led 33-party alliance from tomorrow, while a CPN-Maoist leader has warned not to dare it. Speaking at a face-to-face interaction programme organised by Reporters Club Nepal in capital today, UCPN (Maoist) leader Devendra Poudel ‘Sunil’ said that his party will continue with its election campaigning programme including a motorcycle rally irrespective of banda programme of the poll-opposing alliance. He further claimed that the vehicular movement will resume from tomorrow in defiance of the strike. Poudel said it was not time to argue against CA election because all preparations have been made to hold the election.
Likewise, NC leader Minendra Rijal said that people will come to the street defying the banda of the CPN-Maoist. Arguing that the CPN-Maoist does not want the election to happen in Nepal, he claimed such communist party will be wiped from the country.
Similarly, CPN (UML) secretary Yubaraj Gyawali said his party will also operate vehicles for election campaign. “Vehicles will ply in the street from tomorrow, we should foil the strike,” said Gyawali.
However, CPN-Maoist secretary Dev Gurung has warned to not dare to defy the banda programme. He argued that the occurrence of some incidents is result of the conflict after two forces move ahead by ignoring the other side.