CPN-UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has come down heavily upon Prime Minister Puspha Kamal Dahal saying that he should step aside if he cannot conduct local level elections in time.

“The most important step for implementing constitution is holding the elections. Therefore if this government cannot conduct elections, next consensus government should be formed to do so,” said leader Bhattarai, while speaking in Okhaldhunga on Sunday. “We want this government to hold elections. If not, PM Dahal ‘Prachanda’ should quit the chair.”

Leader Bhattarai remarked that elections should be held in new structure rather than the existing ones. He said elections should be conducted before amending the constitution. “The constitution can be amended, if the problems persist even after elections," said leader Bhattarai.

He pointed out the danger that the votes might be swiped by CK Raut-like extremists if Madhes-based parties would not participate in the election. He advised Madhes-based parties to come together and win the trust of their voters else the votes will be shared by old peace-loving parties like Nepali Congress and UML.