Bhattarai defends govt as general convention reps blame him for party's flagging image

Prime Minister and UCPN (Maoist) vice chairman Baburam Bhattarai Courtesy: Dinesh Shrestha

Prime Minister and UCPN (Maoist) vice chairman Baburam Bhattarai answered the questions raised by the general convention representatives during the closed door session on Wednesday, defending the government's activities.

PM Bhattarai said that the government has performed better than the previous ones, but not fully satisfied with what it has achieved. He also claimed that the government was able to foil 'counter-revolutionary' conspiracy.

Bhattarai also defended the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) with India, saying that it would help attract investment in the country. Mentioning that he was cautious about possible foreign intervention, Bhattarai said BIPPA should not be viewed as an invitation to foreign meddling.

During the closed door discussion, a number of general convention representatives blamed him for the dwindling image of the party because of the government's poor showing. They also sought explanation from him over what they called an anti-national investment pact with India.

Vice chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha had also criticised BIPPA saying that it was not in national interest.

Meanwhile, in a veiled confession, Bhattarai said that the party should learn lesson from Dhobighat meeting - called by the Mohan Baidya faction which ultimately led to formation of Bhattai-led government. "Rather than digging up past mistakes, we should learn lesson from them," said he. Nepalnews.com