UML leaders close to Oli said he is not for taking a hasty decision in this connection as he prefers to join the 601-seat CA along with key leaders from other parties such as Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala and UCPN (Maoist) Senior Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya.[break]
"Oliji is for joining the CA along with some senior leaders from other parties because that would improve the prospects for writing the new constitution," said UML CC member Ganesh Timalsina. "But our party will recommend its leaders, including Oliji, for the CA even without Koirala and Baidya," he said.
He said the UML would first vacate two CA posts to make way for the two leaders because Oli and Gautam were not in the list under the proportional representation system.
Timalsina said UML leaders chose to intensify their campaign to strengthen intra-party unity and to take their time with the proposal to nominate its leaders to the CA.
"It seems the question of endorsing the proposal to induct Oli and other leaders into the CA has been forgotten because we have lately given greater priority to intra-party unity and all top leaders are busy to that end," Timalsina said.
Though some CC members close to Oli advise him not to join the CA, given its very limited tenure, some others would have him accept membership.
"It´s true the CA has only five months remaining...but we suggest Oliji join the CA because parliament will continue in existence and its leadership will become crucial even after promulgation of the new constitution," said UML CC member Karna Bahadur Thapa, an Oli loyalist.
According to sources, some leaders close to Oli, who has served as deputy prime minister, have suggested he accept the offer only if there is sufficient basis for his becoming prime minister.
UML Chairman Khanal came up with a proposal to elevate Oli to third position in the party and nominate him, Gautam and Bohara as CA members, in a bid to patch up intra-party rifts.
A recent standing committee meeting endorsed the chairman´s proposal to elevate Oli, who leads a rival faction in the party, but Khanal is yet to formally table the proposal at a party meeting.
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