Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has claimed that ex-King Gyanendra is hatching conspiracy against peace process and constitution "from behind the curtain" and that his 'activism' is not a good sign at a time when the country's transition is nearing its end.

Speaking to a group of journalists in Baluwatar Saturday, Bhattarai said Gyanendra's recent statement that democracy and nationality were at stake smacked of conspiracy. The PM said the ex-King "is becoming active instead of staying as common a citizen by accepting the people's verdict".

According to him, the statement of the former King and the recent blast in Kathmandu were part of a 'conspiracy' to push the country into conflict and derail the peace process and the constitution-making and that the  democratic and communist forces should unite to thwart the conspiracy.

Gyanendra, who was in Sunsari to inaugurate a Hindu religious function on Thursday, in his brief conversation with local media persons implied that democracy and national existence were in dangers. nepalnews.com