Dhangadi/Biratnagar, June 24

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today said consensus would be forged on amendment of the constitution after the civic polls slated for June 28.

Speaking at a press meet organised by Nepal Press Union in Bhimduttanagar, Kanchanpur, Deuba said, “The government will hold talks with opposition parties, including the CPN-UML, on constitution amendment after the June 28 civic polls.” He said statute amendment was not possible without two-third majority in the Parliament.

Deuba expressed confidence that the agitating Madhesi parties would take part in the third phase of civic polls even if the constitution was not amended by then. He said local, provincial and parliamentary elections would lead to the full execution of the new constitution. “Holding all three sets of polls is the key to statute implementation,” he added.

Deuba pledged to construct the Pancheswor Project. “The detailed project reports of West Seti and Upper Karnali are ready,” Deuba said, adding “I shall take the initiative to commence work on Pancheswor too”.

Addressing his party’s election rally in Belauri Municipality, Kanchanpur, Deuba urged the people to cast votes for his party to safeguard democracy.  He claimed that his party would secure historic victory in Province 7 in the civic polls.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli today said that his party might think about  amending the statute after the second phase of civic polls slated for  June 28.

Talking to mediapersons at Biratnagar airport, Oli said, “UML is ready to mull over the statute amendment process after  completion of the June 28 civic polls.” The constitution is changeable.  If amendment is in national interest, UML is ready to discuss it. If an  appropriate proposal is brought, UML will be positive,” Oli stated.

He  held that participation of Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal’s cadres and  leaders in the second phase of polls was positive. “Due to various  reasons, RJP-N has fielded its leaders as independent candidates and  this has sent a positive message to all,” Oli said.