Sujata does about-face on monarchy

In a sudden change of heart, minister without portfolio and Nepali Congress leader Sujata Koirala has made it clear that she is not going to support the monarchy anymore.

Minister without portfolio Sujata Koirala. (File Photo)

“I never had business ties with the kings. The monarchy is a past chapter,” Sujata told The Himalayan Times in Indian capital New Delhi on Monday. “I will accept the mandate of the Nepali Congress.”

Defending her about-face on monarchy, Sutaja said she talked about the relevance of some form of monarchy in Nepal to counter the Maoists when they declared that they would go for North Korean model of republic.

“I had to talk of favouring some form of monarchy to counter the Maoists’ enchantment to come to power and due to their intimidation,” she told the daily.

Accusing the Maoist youth wing, Young Communist League (YCL), of trying to capture polling booths, the controversial minister went on to say that Maoist chairman Prachanda should be restricted from contesting the election as he continues to head both the YCL and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Sujata, who also oversees the matters with the PMO, made it known that she was in New Delhi to convey Prime Minister GP Koirala’s praise for Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee for his role in resolving the Terai crisis.

The NC leader, who is contesting the constituent assembly election from Sunsari constituency no. 5, is returning home today. nepalnews.com mk Mar 05 08