Two days into informal talks, major parties Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist) are still struggling to overcome divisions in meeting demands of Madhesi and Tharu communities.

Leaders of the major parties and ministers are learnt to have been in separate informal talks with chiefs of Madhes-based parties. But they are yet to enter into discussion on revising seven-province deal as demanded by the Madhes-based parties, according to cross-party leaders.  

The Madhes-based parties have made it clear that they will sit for talks only after the three parties come up with a joint proposal on addressing their demands. Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has already invited the agitating forces for talks twice, but with no headway.  

Bilateral talks between the NC and UCPN (Maoist), and the UML and Maoists continued on Wednesday.

According to negotiators, the UML is pushing for an early promulgation of constitution, claiming that a proposed federal commission in the draft constitution will address the aspirations of the Madhes and Tharu communities once the charter is in place. The party insists the constitution should be promulgated retaining the seven-province model, or it should be done without demarcation as stated in the 16-point deal.

The NC, on the other hand, has expressed its desire to meet the demands of the Madhesi and Tharu communities but has not brought up any concrete proposal.

At the party’s parliamentary party meeting, NC lawmakers asked PM Koirala to

settle the concerns raised by party’s Madhesi and Tharu leaders. Some lawmakers stated that genuine concerns should be addressed even by suspending the CA process for some time.

The constitution writing process will face legal complications unless there is an agreement by Saturday—the final day of registering amendment bills by lawmakers. In such event, the current CA rules of procedures need to be changed to extend time for registering amendment bills. Otherwise, the process will move ahead.

UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal urged UML Chairman KP Oli to consider the demands of Tharu population during a one-on-one meeting on Wednesday. But Oli remains adamant to review the seven-province model. Dahal and senior Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai also met PM Koirala on the day and requested the latter for an early start of formal negotiations with the disgruntled forces to end the present crisis.

The duo reiterated that the constitution should be promulgated only after resolving the genuine political demands of the Madhesi parties and Tharu groups.