NEPAL: Prachanda and fellow Maoists flock to Ramdev’s camp

BY UTPAL PARASHAR

Notwithstanding his anti-India outbursts, Nepal’s Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ seems to have developed an affinity with Indian yoga guru Ramdev.

Yoga enthusiasts attending Ramdev’s camp in Kathmandu were surprised to find the former prime minister in their midst on Monday morning and performing ‘asanas’ and ‘pranayams’.

“This is a happy coincidence as Maoism and spiritualism has come together. It will strengthen nationalism,” said Ramdev hinting at Prachanda’s campaign for Nepal’s resurgence.

Maoist central committee member Hisila Yami who was also present informed that during the 10-year civil war, she and other comrades living in jungles had resorted to yoga to keep fit.

“Civil war was needed to remove monarchy and restore democracy. There’s no need to go to jungles again,” said Ramdev hinting at Prachanda’s comments on possibility of another people’s revolt.

He also spoke on a range of issues from potential of hydro-electricity in Nepal to stopping use of fertilizers in cultivation.

“We are against MNCs and foreign products and even Leftists support us on this issue,” he said as a smiling Prachanda clapped in between his breathing exercises.

Ramdev’s camp has also attracted President Ram Baran Yadav and Chairman of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (UML) Jhalanath Khanal.In recent months, the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) chief has launched an anti-India tirade blaming the southern neighbour of interference in Nepal’s politics and sovereignty.

Prachanda’s party, the main opposition in parliament, is attempting to topple the ruling coalition government blaming it of being the biggest obstacle in the peace and constitution drafting processes.

source: Hindusthan Times