A meeting between the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) and the ruling CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist), held at the prime minister's official residence at Baluwatar, agreed to forward the constitution amendment bill if the UDMF expresses its approval.
The NC has been pressing the government to forward the bill, which was registered at the parliament by NC President Sushil Koirala-led former government.
However, the ruling parties have been showing reluctance to forward the bill before settling the talks with the agitating parties.
CPN-UML senior leader Jhalanath Khanal said that the leaders of the three-party agreed to address the demands of the agitating parties through amendments to the constitution. He further informed that the parties have agreed to forge a common stance on all disputed issues, as they have realized that unity among three major parties is indispensable for solving the crisis the nation currently faces.
“We are unanimous that the issues pertaining to delineation of provinces should be settled by a federal commission,” Khanal told Republica.
Big 3 to seek UDMF consent for tabling amendment bill
The major demands of the agitating Madhesi Front include reviewing delineation of provinces, reorganizing of constituencies on the basis of population and strengthening proportional representation policy in state mechanisms. The constitution amendment proposal registered in the parliament is expected to address two of the three major demands raised by the agitating parties.
According to another leader who attended the meeting, the major three parties have agreed to be open on the issue of provincial boundaries while holding talks with the agitating parties. “Leaders from all three parties believe that delineation dispute could be settled within three months through a political consensus,” said the leader.
Emerging from the meet, Nepali Congress General Secretary Krishna Sitaula claimed the major parties are close to a common stance on disputed issues.
Likewise, UCPN (Maoist) Vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha said the parties have forged a common stance on some issues, adding that talks with the agitating parties will be held within two days.
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