Maoist leader Deb Gurung has proposed Girija Parasad Koirala for president. Inaugurating the 17th convention of the ANNFSU(R), Gurung made the proposal public for the first time. It is not known if Gurung's statement was a personal or party decision, but it did bring to light confusion within the party.

Even during the heat of the Jana Andolan, or when he was made prime minister through its force, Koirala has always sided with the monarchy. No matter what kind of monarchy is being considered-constitutional, ceremonial, or titular-Koirala has always been one of the palace's most loyal guards.

Gurung's statement makes it clear that the Maoists naively believe it might be possible to step into a republic with the help of Girija's weak crutches. Gurung has put his political stand in question by seeming to support Koirala more than even Ram Sharan Mahat and Krishna Prasad Situala do. The proposal to declare someone cleaved to constitutional monarchy president causes serious concern about the intent of the proposed republic. This Girija-love will cost the Maoists in the long run.