The bill is the same one that was registered by then government led by party President Deuba in 2017.

Once the amendment passes, the new political map will be enshrined in the constitution, leading India to also take up a more inflexible position on the boundary, pundits say.

Opposition party leaders say budget does not address the challenges posed by Covid-19.

The party has decided to revive a three-year old amendment proposal aimed at addressing some of the demands of the Madhes-based parties.

The defence force will also assist in managing Nepalis returning from various countries.

While a group of leaders rally support for the proposal, others want the government to commit to meaning diplomatic dialogue with India.

The statement from Delhi comes just as the Oli government is preparing to table a constitutional amendment proposal to update the country’s map in the national emblem.

While the Nepal Communist Party says that the agenda was removed to allow the Congress more time, the opposition says it’s the ruling party that is delaying amendment.

As the issue concerns a matter of national importance, the ruling party had sought all-party consensus on the amendment to update the country’s map on the national emblem.

In his third address in two months, the prime minister commended his government’s efforts to combat Covid-19, but provided little of substance even as cases continue to rise.

Nilamber Acharya has been trying to speak to senior bureaucrats in the Indian capital to discuss holding talks regarding the boundary dispute but has had no luck so far.

Officials say they are working on ways to repatriate citizens but there is neither evacuation protocol nor quarantine facilities and testing guarantee.

As Kathmandu has been seeking diplomatic talks over the border with India since November, it is now up to New Delhi to make overtures.

While tensions are likely to escalate in the days to come, the move will ultimately pave the way for talks with India and a shift in bilateral relations, they say.

At a time when the nation is looking for empathy, effectiveness and hope from the prime minister, Oli failed to provide any real roadmap for the days ahead, observers say.