Nepal, June 29 -- "Let me say this without delay: Leftist and patriotic forces must unite as soon as possible in defense of national sovereignty, against authoritarianism, and against foreign pressure and interference. Delaying this would be a mistake."

These were part of the remarks made by former Prime Minister and Nepal Communist Party (NCP) coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal during an event marking the 75th birth anniversary of late UML General Secretary Madan Bhandari.

The program, organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation on Sunday, focused on Nepal's communist movement and Bhandari's political legacy. Seated on either side of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Dahal and three other senior leaders from two left parties called for...