UCPN (Maoist) has called on deserting leader Baburam Bhattarai to reconsider his decision to quit the party.

A meeting of the party Standing Committee at party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal's residence at Lazimpat on Sunday stressed that Bhattarai’s decision to quit the party when the country was going through internal and external troubles following the constitution promulgation would not benefit the country or the party and hence urged the leader to reconsider his decision to resign, said standing committee member Agni Sapkota.

Saying that Bhattarai’s decision to quit at a time when all the political parties should join hands to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the nation has raised eyebrows and prompted various suspicions, the meeting urged Bhattarai to reflect on his decision, added Sapkota.

Leaders Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Devendra Poudel, said to be loyal to Bhattarai, were also present in the meeting.

Bhattarai, on Saturday, severed his ties with the UCPN (Maoist) citing the need for a new party “in the changed circumstances."