Kathmandu, November 21

The second amendment to new constitution looks uncertain despite the government’s attempt for the same, as the main opposition CPN-UML is opposing contents of the amendment bill.

The government will decide whether to register the amendment bill only after holding

one round of talks with the agitating Federal Alliance most probably on Wednesday, said Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s Political Adviser Chakrapani Khanal.

Today’s meeting of three major parties Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN Maoist Centre — held at PM Dahal’s residence failed to forge consensus after CPN-UML cautioned the ruling parties not to register the bill.

Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi said, “We proposed to forge unity among the three major parties on constitution amendment and elections. As the UML is not ready for constitution amendment, we will proceed after holding discussion with the Madhes-based parties.”

UML Vice-chair Bhim Rawal said his party urged the ruling parties not to move constitution amendment bill, as it had no necessity and justification.

CPN-MC leader Barshaman Pun said the UML was positive about statute amendment

till a few days ago but backtracked today.

“UML has opposed the proposal and the agitating parties are saying that the proposed contents of the amendment are not acceptable to them.

At this juncture, the government will hold consultations with the disgruntled parties once and decide whether to go for amendment or not,” said CPN-MC’s leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, according to UML leader Subas Nembang, had told the meeting that the constitution was promulgated with support of 90 per cent Constituent Assembly and that the first amendment was not justified.

UML Vice-chair Bam Dev Gautam told the meeting that the constitution did not permit redrawing the federal boundaries without the consent of concerned provinces, DPM Nidhi opposed it saying consent of provinces was not necessary during transition, said sources.

PM Dahal and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba urged the UML leaders to compromise on their stand for resolving the issue of boundaries by separating hilly districts from Province No 5 and incorporating only plain areas from Nawalparasi to Bardiya in Province No 5.

Earlier today, a meeting of headquarters of CPN-MC, held at PM Dahal’s residence in Lazimpat, mandated him to decide on constitution amendment.