Kathmandu, November 29

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today called a tripartite meeting of ruling coalition, main opposition Nepali Congress and agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front for tomorrow morning and is prepared to propose political commitment to resolve the issues of boundaries of federal units and amend the constitution.

The ruling coalition may present a concrete proposal at tomorrow’s meeting prepared on the basis of informal consultations with the leaders of the three forces, according to Oli’s press adviser Pramod Dahal. “Unified CPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has held informal consultations within the coalition and with the leaders of the NC and the UDMF in recent days and the proposal developed on the basis of informal talks is likely to be presented for discussions tomorrow,” Dahal said.

Three major parties – NC, CPN-UML and UCPN-M – have common views on proceeding with the constitution amendment on two issues – proportional inclusion and constituency delimitation on the basis of population, according to Dahal. They are also prepared to make a political commitment to address the issue of boundaries and finalise it through a federal commission as provisioned in the new constitution, he said. Although, the commission is supposed to complete its task within one year after its formation according to the constitution, it can be accomplished within two-three months if the parties could find a compromising point, according to him.

Asked what type of political commitment are the three parties ready for regarding boundaries, Dahal said it would evolve during the course of negotiations.

Tomorrow’s meeting will dwell on the agendas of agitating parties, he said, adding, “Although the meeting may not be conclusive it could be a positive set towards solution.”

Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Chairman and UDMF leader Mahantha Thakur said the issue of boundaries could be resolved by 11-province model prescribed by the State Restructuring Commission during the first constituent assembly.

Is there any possibility that UDMF will show be flexible on the model suggested by the commission? “First, the major parties should proposal that and then we can consider,” Thakur said. The UDMF leaders will participate in the talks with open mind expecting solution in a package, he said.

It is not clear whether other top UDMF leaders other than Thakur will participate in tomorrow’s talks as they are in Biratnagar, according to sources.

UCPN-M Chairman Dahal told at a programme today that the Tarai crisis would be resolved in a few days.

A meeting of NC office bearers and some influential leaders held at party President Sushil Koirala’s residence in Baluwatar held dwelt on the stance the party should take at tomorrow’s meeting, according to party sources.

Meanwhile, Indian ambassador Ranjit Rae today met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Baluwatar this evening after meeting Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala in Maharajgunj and discussed the progress made so far to resolve Tarai crisis, according to sources.