Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has reiterated that he has been working to form a new political force in the country.

Speaking at an interaction organised in Gorkha on Saturday, Bhattarai said he would form a new party by incorporating activists from Maoists, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and some independent people. “But I may not technically have to lead the party,” said leader Bhattarai.

Bhattarai arrived here at his home district a week after he severed ties with the UCPN (Maoist).  He also claimed that various leaders have been knocking on power doors to sell themselves for plum posts. The Parliament is soon to endorse a new President, vice-president, prime minister, House speaker and deputy House speaker. “Within a week, people will see opportunists’ repeatedly visiting agents and power centre,” said Bhattarai. Bhattarai also alleged that the leaders are deceiving the general public by “predenting to be patriotic.” “I have constantly been protesting against such people,” he said.

In another context, Bhattarai accused India of interferring in Nepal’s internal affairs by taking advantage of the ongoing crisis. “However, India would not have interferred if the demands of the disgruntled groups were addressed on time.”