Left to lead secular protest against Nepal

Already, A.K. Gopalan Bhavan has issued strong statements on the developments in Kathmandu. The CPI(M) has traditionally had strong ties with the CPN (UML) or Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist). While the CPI(M) was represented by both Harkishen Singh Surjeet and Sitaram Yechury in the meeting, the CPI came in full force with A.B. Bardhan, participating along with D. Raja and Pallab Sengupta. Other participants included D.P. Tripathi (NCP) and Prem Gupta (RJD). Also present was Forward Bloc, CPI(ML), Socialist Front and SJP. The RSP, Samajwadi Party and JD (Secular) did not attend but sent in word expressing solidarity. All these parties will hold a national convention for the restoration of democracy in Nepal on February 24 in the Capital.

The UPA has consulted the two Communist parties and kept them informed on the diplomatic steps it was taking in the light of the recent political developments in Nepal. On the day the government was dismissed, the PM had called both CPM and CPI leaders to 7 Race Course Road and told them what the government proposed to do.

The Left had said it’s happy with the government’s response. It had, however, added the government response would always be calibrated but they would take to the streets, if necessary.