The leaders, despite their affiliation with different political parties, floated their proposal to the prime minister during a meeting with the latter, concluding that "anti-federal" and "anti-secular" forces had become united. [break]
"We agree in principle to form such an alliance. The structure of such an alliance and the role of the political parties and leaders of the alliance would be discussed in the coming days," ethnic leader Om Gurung told Republica.
Dissident CPN-UML leaders Prithvi Subba Gurung, Ashok Rai, Rakam Chemjong, NC leaders including Jip Chhiring Lama and ethnic activists Malla K Sundar, Om Gurung and Renu Raj Bhandari, among others, were present at the meeting. The meeting was called by the prime minister in continuation of his consultations with people from different communities. He has been meeting people from various backgrounds in recent days in a bid to resolve the present political impasse.
CPN-UML Vice-chairman Rai said they suggested to the prime minister to reinstate the CA in order to endorse a new constitution instead of making efforts to hold fresh elections for the Constituent Assembly through an amendment of the constitution.
Om Gurung said they told the prime minister that they would not accept any constitution drafted outside the Constituent Assembly.
In response, the prime minister told them that he would not object to reinstatement of the CA if all political parties arrive at a consensus on the issue, according to Gurung.
Sundar said they told the prime minister that the issue of government formation was secondary, adding that the drafting of the new constitution held top priority.
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