Kathmandu, April 17:

CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal today urged the government to decide on the date for holding a referendum on monarchy if constituent assembly election is not possible.

“We have to take a historic decision now. It is now time for the government to come up with a date for a referendum,” Nepal told a programme organised at the party office to felicitate UML ministers.

He added that a referendum could be held in June if all parties agreed to it and the situation was ‘favourable.’

“Let’s not delay it again,” he said, adding that a consensus among the eight parties over the issue is needed fast. He also accused the eight-party leadership of calling meetings and taking no decisions. He added that he is tired of attending such meetings where “parties with vested interests” pass any proposal without the consent of all member parties.

He said that the prime minister and the Nepali Congress must take the responsibility for the government not being able to hold the constituent assembly election on time.

“It is obviously the responsibility of Girija Prasad Koirala as he is the prime minister and the Nepali Congress is the leading party, “ he said. He said that the UML is concerned about the due inclusion of all social, ethnic and regional communities in the party and the government.

Minister for foreign affairs Sahana Pradhan also said the future of monarchy could be decided through a referendum as it would also give the king’s supporters a chance before the historic decision is taken.