Coalition partner CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has proposed a three-point alternative to forge consensus with the agitating Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) on the issue of constitution amendment. 

CPN (MC) Chairman Dahal made the proposal during a meeting of the top leaders of major three political parties held at Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday.

The alternatives floated by Dahal are:

First—Three major parties [Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN (MC)] jointly amend the constitution and forge a package agreement with RJP-N on other issues.

Second—Take the amendment bill for floor test to resolve it once and for all, and in doing so, seek commitment from RJP-N to participate in the third phase polls.

Third— Keep the current numbers of local units as it is before the elections and forge a political consensus with RJP-N to change the local bodies’ number after the elections.

It has been learnt that Prime Minister and NC President Sher Bahadur expressed his support towards Dahal's proposals in the meeting. PM Deuba had stressed on convincing the RJP-N.

According to PM Deuba's Secretariat, Deuba said that UML should not be a hindrance in endorsing the amendment bill.

Major opposition UML Chairman KP Oli said that although it was willing to extend its support to the government, the government has failed to approach it for the support.

Quoting Oli's statement, UML leader Subas Nembang said, "We are ready to assist the government as an opposition party. But why should we be responsible in doing so if government forges unofficial consensus with RJP-N."

During the meeting, Oli had rebuffed first two alternatives citing time limit. According to Nembang, Oli had hinted UML's support to the third alternative.

Chairman Dahal is preparing to hold talks with RJP-N leaders regarding the alternatives following which he will again hold meeting with UML leaders, it is learnt.  

Meanwhile, UML and Rastriya Prajantra Party are holding meeting in Singhadurbar.

The government is working to address the demands of Madhes-based parties and bring the agitating Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal onboard the third phase of local level elections to be held in Province 2 on September 18.