(Updated)
LAHAN, Aug 20: Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha on Monday warned that President Dr Ram Baran Yadav´s recent move could be ´detrimental´ to the country and termed the state head´s subsequent statement that he would not keep mum if political parties fail to forge consensus as ´unfortunate´.
Speaking to the media in Lahan, DPM Shrestha said the president ´did not do a right thing´ by rejecting the two election-related ordinances forwarded by the government with a view to facilitating the proposed November 22 Constituent Assembly elections.
He warned that the country will plunge into confrontation if the president oversteps his constitutional limits. The DPM further said, prior to his departure to Lahan he met the president in the morning and requested him to refrain from any activity that would invite a confrontational situation.
Reiterating that power is not what they actually want, Shrestha said the ruling coalition does not intend to stay on in power even for a second after consensus is forged. He, however, said they would certainly not exit from government unless consensus is forged on issues of peace and constitution.
Early in the day, cadres of the main opposition parties, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, waved black flags to Deputy Prime Minister and UCPN (Maoist) Vice-chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha upon his arrival in Lahan.
Shrestha, who is also looking after the local development portfolio, arrived here to take stock of works being carried out at local bodies. He was greeted with black flags by activists of the opposition parties as part of their protest program against the government. They have been demanding the ouster of the government.
The protesters chanted anti-government slogans while showing black flags to the DPM. Security was stepped up in Lahan during Shrestha´s visit. A scuffle also ensued between the protesters and police. Dozens of the protesters were detained during the clash but released, later.
A protester carrying black flag to show it to DPM Shrestha.
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