Twenty parties represented in the Legislature-Parliament have decided to not give in to Indian pressure on constitution amendment, while continuing to engage agitating Madhes-centric parties in a dialogue to find a political solution.

The 22 parties also agreed to protest India’s tacit trade blockade and not to undertake any immediate revision of the constitution as prescribed by India, said a leader.

In an all-party meeting held at the Prime Minister Sushil Koirala’s residence in Baluwatar, leaders from smaller parties suggested the heads of major political parties to resolve the problem with disgruntled parties internally.

“There is no prospect of amending constitution immediately. It will happen once House session begins and new government is formed,” said Nepali Congress Chief Whip Chin Kaji Shrestha. “But we will remain open for talks.”

 As India puts pressure, political leaders face a double whammy from their own constituencies to not to cave into Indian pressure. “This is uncalled for,” said Chitra Bahadur KC, who attended the meeting. “India continues to pressure us even after a sovereign Constituent Assembly of Nepal promulgated the new constitution with an overwhelming majority.”

Law Minister Narhari Acharya said the meeting was called to formulate a common position following India’s imposition of an economic blockade on Nepal.