Protesters urge Nepal prime minister Baburam Bhattarai to stand down

Hundreds of supporters of opposition political parties have gathered outside the main government offices in Nepal's capital to demand Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai step down.

The protesters today blocked the area around the complex in the heart of Kathmandu that houses the prime minister's office and the main government offices, chanting slogans against Mr Bhattarai.

Government officials were not able to reach their offices because of the protest.

Riot police kept close watch on the protesters, but there were no reports of violence.

Mr Bhattarai has been running a caretaker government since May, but the opposition parties want a new government with representation from all the major political parties to conduct elections scheduled for later this year.