KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, on Tuesday, held a meeting with the parties that are currently present in the Parliament to discuss the Constitution amendment proposal in the wake of announcement of local elections. The government yesterday decided to hold the elections across the country on May 14 in a single phase.

Leaders of major parties, including Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN Maoist Centre and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, took part in the meeting held at the Parliament building. The United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) affiliates, however, boycotted the all-party meeting.

The meeting discussed whether to forward the Constitution amendment proposal prepared by the government as it is or with some revision based on agreement, according the Rastriya Samachar Samiti.

Emerging from the meeting, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar said the poll date announcement was a positive step. But to conduct the elections without any hindrance, the Constitution should be amended by bringing on board the UDMF as well as Tharu and Janajati groups, the RSS reported.

In protest of the poll date announcement, the UDMF has already announced to launch a fresh agitation starting today. The Madhes-based parties had sought an amendment to the Constitution prior to the announcement of election.

Earlier today, the CPN-UML had protested the government's willingness to table the Constitution amendment proposal in the Parliament, which led to postponement of today's House meeting.

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