KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi said the Constitution amendment process would begin within one and half months.

Receiving a delegation of journalists at his residence today, Nidhi said, "Now, the Constitution will be amended in accordance with the agreement signed with the Madhesi Front."

"The rulings parties have already begun preparations for it," he added, "We are ready to amend the Constitution to address demands of Madhesis, Janajatis, indigenous communities and Tharus among others."

Meanwhile, Nidhi said the government would hold talks with the main opposition CPN-UML for the amendment. He hoped that the opposition party would cooperate with the government for the Constitution amendment.

He, however, accused the erstwhile government, led by UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli of not being ready to accept the Madhesi issues as the national issues.

"But, I hope the UML will also come to consensus now," he said.

The Nepali Congress leader, who is said to have a key role in formation of the current coalition, also revealed that the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front had said it would not join the government unless the Constitution was amended.

"But, we hope they will join the government soon," Nidhi said, adding the Cabinet would be expanded soon by inducting ministers from the Nepali Congress and the CPN Maoist Centre.

Nidhi, also the Home Minister, assured that the government would soon meet demands of the Front including announcement of martyrdom status to victims of the Madhes protests among others.