KATHMANDU, March 14: With the deadline of the local election fast approaching, the political parties are making preparations to endorse the constitution amendment bill by leaving out the issue of delineation.

In a bid to create conducive environment for local elections, the ruling CPN (Maoist Center), Nepali Congress (NC) and top leaders of the main opposition CPN-UML are holding talks on this issue.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) led by Kamal Thapa, Madhesi People’s Rights Forum-Democratic led by Bijaya Gachchhadar are also positive about it.

According to Govinda Acharya, press advisor of the prime minister, political parties are seeking an alternative to the issue if there is no possibility of endorsing the amendment bill with the delineation of provinces.

“The parties will endorse the amendment bill shelving the delineation issue when all the attempts fail to strike a deal,” said Acharya.

According to sources, Deputy Prime Minister duo Kamal Thapa and Bimalendra Nidhi are intensifying meetings with Madhes-based parties to bring them on board the local elections by endorsing the constitution amendment bill.

On the other hand, MPRF-D lawmaker Dr. Subodhraj Pokharel said that his party has decided not to vote on the issue of delineation. It has rather floated a proposal to create eight provinces in line with the spirit of the 16-point agreement.

 
• political parties
 
• shelving delineation issue