No possibility of holding back polls: Minister A senior minister of the royal government on Monday brushed aside the ‘offer’ of Nepali Congress (NC) president and a top leader of the seven-party alliance, Girija Prasad Koirala, that the parties would consider dialogue with the King and urge the Maoists to extend the ceasefire if the government held back the municipal elections. Minister for Commerce, Industries and Supplies, Buddhiman Tamang (File Photo) Minister for Commerce, Industries and Supplies, Buddhiman Tamang, at a program organised by Sanchar Samuha in Kathmandu, said that the government was firm on holding the municipal elections on schedule, February 8 next year, and that elections would not at all be cancelled or postponed. “The government will provide every help to the Election Commission and the polls will be held at any cost,” he declared referring to the feelers conveyed publicly by Koirala. Minister Tamang, who joined the royal cabinet early this month when the King dissolved his cabinet, alleged the seven parties of “signing the Maoist agenda” by reaching a 12-point agenda with the rebels. NC president Koirala, speaking at a public function on Sunday, had said the parties might opt for talks if the government withdraws the election program. The seven-party alliance, according to him, would also urge the Maoists to prong their unilateral truce that ends on January 2 if the government accepted that proposal. Reacting to the recent Maoist threat to disrupt the elections, the minister said, “It is not unusual of the Maoists talking about disrupting the elections. But the government is just as resolute to fulfil its duty of holding the elections successfully.” Tamang even went on to claim that the Maoists had lost their strength significantly post-February 1 royal move. “Growing defections in the Maoist force shows that their power is on the wane.” nepalnews.com mk Dec 27 05 Related News - Polls will be held at any cost: CEC