CPN-UML deputy General Secretary Bishnu Poudel has said that talks are underway to merge CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) before the formation of new government. "Probably we will unify the parties before forming the new government and lead the government as a single party," he said.

Talking to media persons in a programme organised by Reporters Club Nepal in the Capital on Sunday, Poudel said, "For now we are working as an alliance of two leftist parties. But we will lead the government as a single communist party."

Poudel said that there is no doubt that the government will be led by UML Chairman KP Oli and so far the party leadership is concerned, it will be decided after internal discussions.

Leader Poudel went on to say that efforts are being made to disrupt the unification of UML and Maoist Centre. He ruled out the success of such efforts.