KATHMANDU: The main opposition CPN-UML on Monday accused the government of spoiling the environment of local level elections, and trying to increase conflict with it.

A meeting of the party's Standing Committee concluded that the local level elections should be held in a single phase on May 14 as scheduled.

The party said the new constitution amendment bill, which the government brought in the name of addressing the disgruntled Madhesi parties' concerns, intend to create distance and increase conflict with the main opposition.

After an agreement with the Federal Alliance parties, the government on Sunday announced to hold the local level elections in two phases and revise the new constitution amendment bill before passing it from the Parliament.

The party concluded that the government's recent activities were against the jurisdiction of transitional government.

The meeting was held at the party chairman KP Sharma Oli's residence in Baluwatar.

The UML protested the proposal to amend the Article 274 of the Constitution and curtail the rights of local representatives that would be elected by the people, dubbing it retrogressive and anti-people.

The party charged the government wanted to influence the voters through the May 29 budget speech as it chose to hold the second phase of elections on June 14. It further said that the government decision to hold second phase of elections in rainy season has imposed uncertainty over the elections' fate.

Meanwhile, the party said it the Standing Committee meeting tomorrow will take final decision on issues related to local level elections, including the party's election manifesto.