Speaking at a tea reception hosted in the Capital on the occasion of seven anniversary of Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP) on Sunday, Oli said maximum efforts would be made to forge consensus.

“We are moving ahead so as to promulgate the new constitution on time,” said Oli, talking to reporters. “There is no possibility of agreement among 601 members. We have to forge consensus among maximum number.”

At the programme, UCPN (Maoist) leader Baburam Bhattarai said the date for promulgating the new constitution is not an important issue.  “But contents of the constitution are important,” said Bhattarai. “Date should not be an issue if there is agreement on fundamental issues.”

Likewise, Constitution Assembly Chairman Subas Nembang said that it is still possible to draft the constitution on January 22 if parties come to agreement. “Consensus among the parties is important,” he said,” If consensus can be forged, the CA rules and calendar can be amended accordingly to draft the constitution on January 22.”

TMLP Chairman Mahanta Thakur stressed on implementation of the past pacts and agreements before drafting the constitution. “Constitution must be drafted only after implementing the agreements made in the past with the Madhesi, Janjati and Adivasi,” he said.

He reiterated that the constitution drafting would be impossible if consensus is not forged among the political parties.