People are against him, but let King stay titular head: Koirala

“What’s the harm if the King wants to remain as revered as Lord Pashupatinath,” he said, adding “I know there is an anti-monarchy mood among people”.

He said the present Constitution would remain in place during negotiations with Maoists which he hopes to start soon. He said he was in constant touch with Maoist leaders and expected them to come to the table since his government had withdrawn the terrorist tag and red corner notices against them.

“Demobilisation is tricky. We have favoured UN monitoring but things will be clearer once we sit for dialogue. I know I am in bad health but I want to establish democracy with Maoists before I am out,” he said.

Despite the anti-monarchy sentiment sweeping Nepal, Prime Minister G P Koirala today said he was in favour of retaining ceremonial monarchy.

Interacting with a delegation of SAFMA (South Asian Free Media Association) at his residence, Koirala said he saw no harm in the King continuing as a ceremonial figure.

“What’s the harm if the King wants to remain as revered as Lord Pashupatinath,” he said, adding “I know there is an anti-monarchy mood among people”.

He said the present Constitution would remain in place during negotiations with Maoists which he hopes to start soon. He said he was in constant touch with Maoist leaders and expected them to come to the table since his government had withdrawn the terrorist tag and red corner notices against them.

“Demobilisation is tricky. We have favoured UN monitoring but things will be clearer once we sit for dialogue. I know I am in bad health but I want to establish democracy with Maoists before I am out,” he said.