The statute might be promulgated even after the agreed January 22 date, he said, but the new constitution should address people’s aspirations and the outcomes of the political movements. The senior Maoist leader said there was the risk of leaving out genuine agendas in the rush to meet the deadline.

Speaking at a programme organised in Bhaktapur, Bhattarai said the conflict was between “progressive” and “status quoist” forces.

“We have promulgated six constitutions so far. The concern is whether the new one institutionalises the political achievements gained,” he said.