Oli’s arrogance and Dahal’s ambition have both derailed the Nepal Communist Party so much that it is now on the verge of a split, party insiders and political analysts say.

Analysts, however, say if Oli had lived up to the people’s expectations, they would have raised their voice in his support.

Talks between rival party chairs Oli and Dahal failed after the former refused to step down in any capacity, neither as party chair nor prime minister.

Both Oli and Dahal have met recently with President Bhandari, leading many to ask about the role the non-partisan head of state is currently playing.

Party insiders say that Oli is planning to reintroduce an ordinance that will make it easier for him to split the party, and is also seeking support from the opposition.

If Oli fails to abide by party decisions, the Dahal-Nepal faction is likely to up the ante, using Standing Committee to force him to step down

After senior party leaders demanded Oli's resignation as both party chair and prime minister, Oli held an early morning meeting with loyalists to chart out a game plan.

Senior party leaders, including chair Dahal, ask Oli to vacate both positions as his actions have placed the ruling party and government in a difficult position.

Leaders also sought proof from Oli about his claims that attempts were being made in Kathmandu and Delhi to unseat him.

The prime minister hinting at an Indian conspiracy to unseat him is not befitting the high office and could delay any diplomatic talks over the border dispute, they say.

The party has not decided whether to postpone the general convention.

Oli knows that the Standing Committee is preparing to ask him to choose between the prime ministership and the party chair.

The prime minister’s advisor says he had other prior engagements.

Oli realises his position in the party and government is shaky, with a proposal calling for his abdication of at least party chair or prime minister likely to be endorsed.

Although Wednesday’s meeting did not discuss anything substantial, Oli and Dahal both made speeches blaming the other for failures within the party and the government.

Oli has long been avoiding the Standing Committee, where he is in the minority, but he is now scrambling to garner support, especially for the MCC, insiders say.

Politicians say that such meetings at a time of heightened tensions between India and China will raise questions about Nepal’s commitment to its own non-aligned foreign policy.

Ruling party’s Department of Foreign Affairs says it is unaware of the meeting.

Party leaders had rallied behind Oli to present a united front in the border dispute with India, but they say their patience is fast running out.

With passage from both Houses of Parliament and the President’s approval, the new political map is now officially part of the constitution and the national emblem.