There is no uniformity in what the king says and what he does. The king's popularity and fame has not risen with the felicitation programs organised by those who support active monarchy. That is not the way to popularity. On the contrary, such ideas have made people more aggressive. As a result, they come out onto the streets and chant slogans for a republic.

Monarchy, as an institution, earned respect when it remained within the constitution. Its popularity eroded significantly after the king decided to be active, and the monarchy will have to face the results. The king has not toed the line that monarchs of the 21st century ought to.

While its true that the roadmap our party publicised recently does not mention a republic, it's not something the CPN (UML) can decide on its own. But our party represents the people's desire and welfare and we are ready to work together with the monarchy-if the latter remains within constitutional boundaries. This is a stand we have maintained since 1991, it was the king who stepped out of that agreement.

The people still wish for the political parties and the king to reach an agreement. This cannot happen if autocracy continues. For such an agreement, we need to have democracy together with monarchy. If the king does not correct himself and continues on his present path, the people's anger could flare up uncontrollably. Under these circumstances, the country may move closer toward a republic.

Our party has prepared the roadmap taking into account both the monarchy and the Maoist rebels because it was the king who resorted to regression and the rebels who began their campaign of violence. We must resolve these problems. The UML brainstormed for a long time to prepare this roadmap. The content has been subject to discussion in different stratas of the party's meetings. We have kept all options open.

We are open to anything from a constitutional amendment to a constituent assembly. As for the charges that we have diverted ourselves from the 18-point program of the five agitating political parties, we must make clear that all these parties are independent organisations for the reestablishment of the people's rights. There is no compulsion for parties that banded together against the royal move cannot float independent ideas. Moreover, our proposal is for democracy and peace. It must not be looked upon negatively. The roadmap is something that has been brought up for discussion. If necessary, we can make some changes.