With an aim to muster power for the ongoing struggle against the denial of party symbols for the May 14 local polls, the 68-party front led by the Naya Shakti Nepal is preparing to forge a working alliance with the Sanghiya Gathabandhan that includes the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha.

The Upendra Yadav-led Gathabandhan announced a month-long protest on Sunday that includes an indefinite general strike aimed at disrupting the local level polls.

The Baburam Bhattarai-led front is staging a week-long relay hunger strike at Ratnapark demanding election symbols for the parties outside Parliament.

According to NSN leader Parshuram Tamang, Monday’s meeting of the 68-party front decided to go join forces with the Gathabandhan and the Madhesi Morcha on common agendas.

The front would hold a meeting with leaders of the Gathabandhan and the Morcha on Tuesday to work on a strategy.

Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Co-chairman Rajendra Shrestha said the 68-party front and the Gathabandhan support each other’s protests and were working to launch a joint movement.

A modality of the agitation would be developed after SSFN leaders Ashok Rai and Upendra Yadav return to Kathmandu on Tuesday.

Discussions are also going on between the NSN and the SSFN for party merger. Bhattarai maintains that the elections will be impossible without the participation of the Madhesi Morcha after incorporating their concerns in the constitution.