Nepali Congress General Secretary Shashank Koirala has said the elections would be held even if the Madhes-based parties boycotted them.

Talking to journalists at Biratnagar Airport on Friday, Koirala said there was no alternative to starting poll preparations to implement the constitution.

“I see slim chances of the constitution amendment proposal being endorsed because the CPN-UML is against the bill,” said Koirala. The Madhes-based parties have said they would not participate in the elections unless a revised constitution amendment proposal was passed by Parliament. Koirala said the double standard of the Madhes-based parties was detrimental to the elections. Koirala accused the prime minister’s party CPN (Maoist Centre) of delaying the polls.

“The Maoist Centre has no benefit from going to the polls. Therefore it is extending its tenure in government,” said Koirala.