Jalpaiguri (West Bengal), Oct 17 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has called for the holding of early elections in Nepal.

"As far as the question of the future of Nepal is concerned, it should be a collective effort with a social objective. The interim government should immediately start the democratic process to conduct the polls. After the elections, let the Constituent Assembly decide the future of the monarchy," Mukherjee said on the sidelines of a seminar.

Elections in Nepal have been delayed after the ruling eight-party coalition failed to break a political deadlock over a Maoist demand for declaring Nepal a republic immediately and for polls to be based on proportional representation.

The Maoists walked out on Government last month, saying King Gyanendra and his supporters were trying to sabotage the Constituent Assembly vote, which had been set for November 22.

On Sunday, Nepal’s interim Parliament delayed a debate on a motion by the Maoists to immediately abolish the monarchy. The Government has vowed to defeat the move, which could shake the peace process in the country.

The motion was expected to be dropped as the Maoists have 83 out of 329 seats in the body. (ANI)