KATHMANDU: Prime Minister's chief political advisor Chandra Prakash Khanal said the government would begin the Constitution amendment process once PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal returned after visits to India and the United States.

PM Dahal is leaving for an India trip in mid-September and for the US immediately after that to attend the 71st session of United Nations General Assembly.

"We had wanted to begin the Constitution amendment process before the Prime Minister would leave for India," Khanal told journalists in Kathmandu today, "But, that could not happen."

He said the amendment process was delayed as parties and stakeholders were holding discussions over the issue currently.

Khanal reiterated that the amendment was a must to address concerns of Madhesi parties.

He hoped that the main opposition CPN-UML would also extend its support in the amendment.

Speaking at the same function, UML leader Kiran Gurung, however, said the current time was not appropriate to amend the Constitution.

He, however, maintained that the party would make its official view over the issue once the government made a clear proposal for the same.