Unification between the CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre remains deadlocked with both sides refusing to budge from their stances.

CPN-MC Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal has demanded equal representation in the unified party's structures, including in the Central Committee, but CPN-UML leaders are not willing to give CPN-MC equal representation in the CC. Dahal and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a meeting today but failed to agree.

According to left alliance sources, Oli and Dahal are not ready to be flexible and that is the reason they cannot provide a solution. Sources said both leaders were under pressure from their respective parties.

“There are some differences on the number of representatives from both parties in the Central Committee of the unified party,” UML Standing Committee member Mukunda Neupane told The Himalayan Times.

According to UML sources, UML leaders could agree to induct 33 to 40 per cent CPN-MC leaders in the CC of the unified party, but not more.

CPN-MC leaders have, however, said they can be flexible on the ratio of representation in the lower committees, but not in the central committee. They won't accept less than 50 per cent.

A left alliance leader said, “CPN-MC will not agree without 50 per cent representation and executive power for CPN-MC Chair Dahal, but the UML has not accepted any of these.”

A CPN-MC leader said Oli had become more rigid these days. Dahal wants to exercise full power as the unified party's chair while Oli remains the head of the executive.

Oli had earlier assured that Dahal would be chosen chairperson of the unified party unanimously in the next general convention. Dahal also doubts Oli has given word that he will support senior UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal in his bid to become the party chair in the next General Convention.