President Bidya Devi Bhandari held talks with leaders of major political parties, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, on Thursday, a day before embarking on a visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka, and sought to know about the latest political developments including first phase of local elections scheduled for Sunday and preparations regarding the second phase polls to be held on June 14. 

According to an aide, President Bhandari told the leaders that there has been huge enthusiasm among the general public about the Sunday polls and that she hoped elections in both phases would conclude successfully. After spending a day in Thailand, President Bhandari will reach Sri Lanka on Saturday to attend United Nations Day of Vesak Conference to be held on May 12-14 in Colombo and Kandy on Saturday. Apart from the visit, the President during her meeting with the top leaders dwelt on contemporary political issues and sought suggestions on way forward in view of some concerns that the Madhes-based parties may refuse boycott second phase of polls if the constitution amendment demand is not addressed. During the meeting, Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSF-N) Chairman Upendra Yadav is learnt to have presented a seven-point suggestion for addressing the outstanding issues, one of which was constitution amendment before June 14 polls.