In view of seeking consensus on the two matters—contents of the new constitution and the structure of a unity government—both the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML and the opposition UCPN (Maoist) and the Madhesi Morcha on Sunday agreed to postpone the meeting of the Constituent Assembly until Thursday and continue negotiations.

The parties—mainly the NC and the UML—are at odds over the course of action after Thursday in case consensus is not found on the constitutional contents.

In Sunday’s meeting, the largest party proposed completing the constitution writing process by mid-July and setting up a consensus government thereafter. “Let’s bring the opposition parties to the incumbent government if a unity government is to be formed right now,” NC leader Purna Bahadur Khadka quoted Prime Minister Sushil Koirala as telling the meeting.

The UML, however, has expressed its reservations about the proposal. “It’s alright if constitution writing concludes immediately and the way is cleared for a new government. Otherwise, the NC has no right to continue to remain at helm on the pretext of the delayed statute drafting process,” said UML leader Agni Kharel.

He said his party could come up with measures if the NC, which leads the government, was reluctant to make way for consensus government. He, however, did not spell out the options that remain with the coalition partner.

Party insiders say the UML is mulling over withdrawing its support to the government and claiming its leadership in case differences between the two ruling parties widen.

NC President Sushil Koirala was elected the PM last year with the backing of the second largest party. The two had agreed to promulgate the new constitution within a year and then form a government led by the UML.

Of late, the third largest UCPN (Maoist) has promised the UML support to form a government. UML leaders have expedited discussions both within the party and among the major forces.