KATHMANDU: Chances of ending the long-drawn political deadlock appear to be slim. There is no sign of an early resolution since main opposition Unified-CPN-Maoist has now come up with a new tactic. It has passed the buck to the ruling coalition partners — the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML — who have been accused of hardening their stand.

Though a six-member taskforce, consisting two members each from the Maoists, NC and UML was formed last Monday, has held two rounds of talks; the differences are yet to be ironed out. It has now decided to refer the sticking points to three-party high-level meeting, which is likely to be held tomorrow.

Yesterday, the Maoists proposed giving a final shape to the previously agreed consensual

sankalpa prastav.

They want President Dr Ram Baran Yadav to address the nation, calling on the parties to reach a consensus in a bid to draft the new constitution. They have also been demanding an amendment to the Interim Constitution to remove ambiguities about the President’s role.

The ex-rebels are also trying to mention — even obliquely — about Dr Yadav’s “unconstitutional” move on the then army chief sacking row.

The NC and the UML have struck down the Maoists’ demand. “The NC has backtracked,” Maoist vice-chairman Narayankaji Shrestha ‘Prakash’ alleged at a function recently.

He went on to threaten that his party would intensify agitation if civilian supremacy could not be restored. “Our decision to declare autonomous republican states was merely a campaign,” he added.

The NC’s seven-member talks’ team, however, met party leaders today, and opposed the Maoists’ new proposal regarding President’s call to all parties.

NC spokesperson Arjun Narsingh KC said that his party would consider amending the Interim Constitution to clarify the role of executive Prime Minister and ceremonial President.

“If the President’s move on the then army chief is termed unconstitutional, then he has to step down on moral grounds,” KC said.

Bharat Mohan Adhikari, member, UML standing committee, observed that they were still discussing the Maoists’ proposal. “The modality and content of the President’s address to the nation, however, should be discussed by the PM and the President,” he said.

The Maoists want the Cabinet to approve the text of the President’s national address.