We asked CP Gajurel, the Maoists' chief of 'foreign command' about a recent statement he made in New Delhi about capturing polling booths to win the election. Gajurel said his statement was misinterpreted. "I said that the Nepali people are now very aware of the political situation, which is why there is no need to capture polling booths anymore," says Gajurel. "To those who are threatening booth capture, I want to say that if they capture one, the Maoists are prepared and have enough power to capture five-but that situation will not arise in Nepal anymore."

Gajurel said Maoist foreign policy has changed since they entered mainstream politics, due to the imperative to develop cordial relations with neighbouring countries. Apart from the US, which the Maoists have ignored as imperialist and against the revolution, the party has good relations with all other countries. "[The Americans] don't even like the UML, why would they like us? They are capitalists, so it is only normal they feel that way." He added that American support for the monarchy was genuine, because it helps keep Nepal a puppet state and a good place from which to keep an eye on China and India.

Gajurel said that the Maoists recently arrested in Kashmir were not Nepali. "Just because they are Maoists does not mean they are our people," he said. Garjurel will meet Chinese foreign affairs officers during his time in New Delhi and will make a diplomatic visit to China very soon.