Nepali Congress (NC), a key constituent of the CPN-UML-led ruling alliance, today asked the opposition Maoists to come forward for dialogue and call off their fresh agitation aimed at dislodging the government.
The Maoists demanding 'civilian supremacy' should come to the negotiating table by withdrawing their agitation scheduled to start shortly as there is no other option than pursuing politics of consensus and collaboration to draft constitution in time by concluding the peace process, Nepali Congress (NC) president GP Koirala said.
The former prime minister made the remarks while opening the Nepali Congress General Body convention here as the main opposition Unified CPN-Maoist announced a two-week long protest programme from today.
In the beginning of the protest, Maoists intend to stage a torch rally here. On November 10, they are planning to lay a siege of the Kathmandu valley here by halting traffic and shutting down the International Airport.
Koirala also asked the party workers not to indulge in internal squabbles and maintain unity and consolidate the organisation.
The veteran 84-year-old politician, who is planning to retire from active politics, stressed on maintaining a powerful president in the party, instead of promoting collective leadership.
