Nepal President urges political parties to go for polls

Kathmandu [Nepal], Feb.14 (ANI): Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari has warned leaders of all political parties that the nation faces a possible constitutional crisis if they do not go in for elections at the earliest. In a meeting held with these leaders at Sheetal Niwas, her official residence, President Bhandhari reminded them on Monday of their constitutional duties, obligations and responsibilities. The Kathmandu Post quoted her, as saying that "I don't need to shed more light on the fact that local, provincial and federal parliament elections must be held by January 21 next year. The responsibility of holding these elections has not emerged only lately. This is a constitutional provision that was finalised at the time of the promulgation of the constitution. There is no alternative to elections. Periodic elections are citizens' right." Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Kamal Thapa, Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Co-chairman Rajendra Shrestha, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum Loktantrik Chairman Bijay Gachhadar and Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur were present in the meeting. (ANI)