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By Our Reporter

The massive rally organised in support of former king Gyanendra in Kathmandu on March 9 upon the latter’s arrival in Kathmandu from Pokhara has compelled the political parties to try to unite against the rising popularity of the former king.

The pro-republican leaders though condemned the activities of the former king immediately after March 9 roadshow, with the main opposition party, the CPN (Maoist Centre) blaming the government of the NC-UML coalition for preparing a ground for the royalists to parade in the capital.

Similarly, the ruling party leaders also criticised the king for inciting the activities against the system. The Maoist Centre even postponed its nationwide ‘Jagaran’ programme following the March 9 roadshow.  Its chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal addressed the parliament mostly condemning the activities of the former king and the ruling parties.

However, over a week, efforts are underway for a meeting between the ruling and opposition parties. Recently, Agni Kharel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s advisor, visited Khumaltar residence of Dahal with a message from PM Oli for a meeting. Although PM Oli proposed a meeting to discuss the issue of transitional justice, the intention was to discuss the activities of the former king. With the hope that Dahal will join the meeting, Prime Minister Oli and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba prepared for the meeting on Tuesday. However, Dahal did not agree to sit for the meeting.

However, they are sure to hold a meeting sooner or later, probably before April 1, from when the pro-royalist movement is scheduled. If the three parties come together as planned, they will remain united against the royalist forces, which are divided over the issue of who should lead their movements. Their disputes spilled on Monday after the news report that a committee under Nawaraj Subedi was formed to wage movement from April 1.