Prachanda confers with Indian envoy; Maoists invite MJF leaders for talks

Maoist chairman Prachanda met with Indian ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shankar Mukherjee on Sunday as part of the party's ongoing efforts to take the political parties as well as the diplomatic community into confidence prior to taking over the helms of state affairs.

Indian ambassador Mukherjee went to Prachanda's residence in Nayabazaar for the meeting, which comes following the emergence of the CPN (Maoist) as the largest party after the Constituent Assembly election.

The new government to be formed under the leadership of the Maoist party, India's role in the changed context and the issue of King's "graceful exit" featured highly in the meeting, say reports.

During the meeting Mukherjee is learnt to have congratulated Prachanda on his party's victory in the polls and said that India always respects the aspiration of the Nepalis people. Mukherjee also pledged that India is willing to provide all the necessary support for the new Maoist led government.

In response, Prachanda told the Indian envoy that his party was ready to fulfill the responsibility to lead the new government as per the mandate of the people and assured him that the party will move ahead by collaborating with all the political parties. He is also reported to have talked about his possible India visit after the formation of the new government.

Meanwhile, Maoists are all set to hold consultation with archrival Madheshi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) and have already sent a formal letter for the same.

The leaders of both the parties publicly said that they would leave behind their bitter past and engage in peaceful politics. The Maoists have already held separate consultations with Nepali Congress and CPN-UML.