Ruling parties, UDMF discuss polls, statute amendment

KATHMANDU: Top leaders of the ruling alliance and the United Democratic Madhesi Front on Wednesday held discussed issues concerning the local level elections and the proposed amendment to the Constitution, the Prime Minister's Secretariat said.

They could not reach any agreement on the crucial issues, however.

In a meeting held at his official residence in Baluwatar, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal  asked the UDMF constituents and other parties to focus on elections that have already been announced. He reiterated that the government was committed to increasing the number of local bodies in Madhes region and was working out on the Constitution amendment.

UDMF leaders, in response, told him that it was difficult for them to opt for elections at the existing state of affairs, according to the statement. The UDMF has been demanding amendment to several provisions in the Constitution before the local elections.

Both the sides agreed to continue the political dialogue, the PM's Secretariat said in a statement.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Kamal Thapa, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar, Tarai Madhesh Democratic Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur, Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal's Ashok Rai and Sadbhawana Party's Chairman Rajendra Mahato among others attended the meeting.

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