However, Khanal mentioned that he would not reject the offer to lead the nation if he was approached to assume the prime ministerial post again. “I have already led the nation and now its Oli Ji’s turn for this opportunity,” said Khanal. “But I will not back away if I am offered the proposal.”

Speaking at an interaction at the Reporter’s Club on Thursday, Khanal said a schedule would be made public for the election of president, prime minister and speaker, once the constitution is promulgated.

During the interaction, leader Khanal acknowledged some minor issues seen in the collective leadership system in his party. He assured that the problems would be resolved internally.

When asked if the party’s problems were due to autocratic decision making style of Chairman Oli, leader Khanal said the party has to move ahead as per the established party rules and procedure and while doing so some disputes may arise which should be resolved through discussions.

In a different context, leader Khanal said he has always favoured press freedom and claimed that the constitution draft would not suppress the press freedom as reported by the media. He said the code of conduct would be prepared in consultation with journalists.