Maoist leader sees conspiracy in Koirala's visit to India

KATHMANDU: Top Maoist leader Prachanda has warned that Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's visit to India could be a "deep conspiracy" by foreign powers to destroy the pact between his party and Nepal's ruling seven-party alliance (SPA).

"When there should be a political settlement first in Nepal, Koirala goes to India to bring money, an (assistance) package and hydropower pacts," Maoist supremo Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known by his nom de guerre Prachanda said.

Prachanda said there seemed to be a "greater propaganda" from New Delhi about the Indian government's upcoming "economic package". He said it smacked of a "deep conspiracy" to delude Nepalis that India could resolve Nepal's problems. "Why are they (the political parties and India) trying to bypass us?" the rebel leader asked.

Prachanda accused foreign powers, especially India and the United States, of trying to interfere in Nepal. The US, he said, was trying to break up the understanding between his party and the SPA.

India, Prachanda said, should give Nepalis the chance to determine their own future.  "It can't be done by calling Koirala to New Delhi and giving him money. That would not benefit either India or Nepal." The rebel leader also accused the Koirala government of losing sight of priorities and delaying the peace process.