The prime minister held talks with Chairman of Madhesi People"s Rights Forum-Democratic (MPRF-D) Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) Chairman Mahantha Thakur and Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato Wednesday afternoon. Second-rung leaders of the parties were also present at the meeting. [break]
The prime minister held discussions with the party leaders about the current political situation and how the new constitution could be drafted within the stipulated date of May 28, 2010.
According to MPRF-D Chairman Gachchhadar, the meeting also dwelled on the issue of changing the leadership of the government. The prime minister sought the views of the three Madhes parties on the issue as the UCPN (Maoist) has long been demanding a change of guard at Singha Durbar, saying that was needed for taking the peace process to a logical conclusion and promulgating a new constitution on time.
The three parties, according to Gachchhadar, told the prime minister that they were firmly behind the current government and it was not desirable to change the government since there are just 57 days left to the deadline for the new statute.
“It is high time senior leaders of the big parties acted seriously to take the peace process to a logical end and promulgate the new constitution within the stipulated date,” said Gachchhadar.
He also ruled out the possibility of a change in the government any time soon since all the parties supporting the government are firm in their stance.
Gachchhadar told media persons that they suggested to the prime minister to expedite the process of managing Maoist combatants through consensus with all the political parties.
Amidst rumors that the Maoists were preparing to bring a non-confidence motion, the prime minister began expediting parleys with political party leaders since Saturday. He has already met the leaders of other fringe parties in the CA.
The prime minister also held a meeting with leaders of the NC and the UML later on Wednesday evening. Senior leaders of the NC and UML were present at the meeting held to sound out opinion on constitution drafting, the peace process and change of government leadership.
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