Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asked the leaders of the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) to give him a week to work out a way to address their demands.

The RJP-N along with the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSF-N), a key ally in the Oli-led government, has been demanding the government to amend the provisions in the constitution that are discriminatory against the Madhesi community and to redraw the provincial boundries. The SSF-N had joined the government in June after two senior leaders from the ruling Nepal Communist Party agreed in writing to address the party’s concerns.  

Prime Minister Oli risks losing the SSF-N’s support to his government if the demands pressed by the two Madhes-centric parties are not addressed.

So far, the SSF-N has not raised the issue with the prime minister. But with the RJP-N threatening to go on a protest, some analysts say the SSF-N will be morally bound to take act as well.

The RJP-N leaders met with Prime Minister Oli on Tuesday and reminded him of their demand.

In the meeting, Oli tried to appease the RJP-N leaders by assuring them to address their concerns.

RJP-N leader Rajkishor Yadav said after the meeting that Prime Minister Oli requested for a week to make necessary preparations to address the party’s demands.