Nepal's polarised leaders chit-chat at Republic Day function

KATHMANDU: Leaders of Nepal's warring political parties today got a platform for informal chit-chat at India's 66th Republic Day celebrations here, days after the Parliament witnessed chaotic scenes over the drafting process of the new Constitution.

The Republic Day reception hosted by India's Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae at the India House in the premises of the Indian Embassy, Kathmandu was attended by high-profile leaders from a wide spectrum of political parties.

Prime Minister and Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala shook hands with opposition leader Prachanda and also had informal chit-chats.

Koirala, UCPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda, former Prime Minister and senior CPN-UML leader Jhala Nath Khanal, Madhesi Peoples Rights Forum Democratic (MPRF-Democratic) chairman Bijaya Gachhadar and MPRF-Nepal chairman Upendra Yadav were among those present.

Many other leaders were seen chatting with their archrivals on the occasion.

The opportunity for candid interaction came a day after Parliament speaker Subhash Nembang announced the formation of a Questionnaire Committee to resolve the contentious issue of Constitution drafting despite strong reservation by the opposition parties.

The opposition leaders had said they would not sit for talks with the government unless it withdraws the committee.

The UCPN-Maoist led opposition alliance is demanding forging consensus before moving ahead with the process to draft the constitution, whereas the ruling parties alliance has started the process of drafting the statute through majority votes.

High government officials, business community leaders, lawmakers, political leaders, diplomats and journalists were invited to the reception.