Talks among seven parties on forming a new government in Madhesh Province ended on Thursday without an agreement.

Janata Samajbadi Party, Nepal chief whip Ram Ashish Yadav said the meeting failed to reach a consensus after the Nepali Congress and the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party refused to withdraw their claims to lead the provincial government.

Congress said all parties have already led the province in the past and argued that it is now its turn. Loktantrik Samajbadi said Jitendra Sonal’s previous government fell early and unfairly, so the party should get another chance.

Yadav said Congress and Loktantrik Samajbadi have been given time to meet separately and try to reach a deal. He said the seven parties will sit again later tonight.

The Madhesh Province Head on Wednesday called for the formation of a new government under Article 168(2) of the constitution. The notice requires any member of the provincial assembly who can secure majority support from two or more parties to stake a claim for chief minister by 5pm on Friday.

The call followed the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav. Yadav stepped down on Wednesday, two days after the Supreme Court ordered him to seek a vote of confidence within 24 hours. He resigned during the provincial assembly meeting, seeing no prospect of gaining the required support. Yadav served 22 days as chief minister.

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered him to seek a vote of confidence within 24 hours or begin the process to form a new government under Article 168(2). He received the written order on Tuesday.