Serious differences have emerged between the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML on the issue of amendment to the new constitution in order to address the demands of the agitating Madhes-based parties.

During a three-party meeting on Thursday, UML Chair KP Sharma Oli objected to Prime Minister Sushil Koirala’s proposal to amend the charter right away. The UML wants to amend the constitution once the government’s talks team reaches an agreement with the agitating forces. PM Koirala, however, wants to amend the statute before he steps down.

The PM indicated that he would not step down before amending the constitution. Oli is said to have reminded the PM of a gentlemen’s agreement between the two parties before the formation of the incumbent government after the second Constitution Assembly election.

“We have some differences on the timing of the constitutional changes,” said UML Chief Whip Agni Kharel. “We want it after an agreement with the Madhesi parties.”

The PM is under pressure from his own party and others to expedite the amendment process to address the grievances of the parties dissatisfied with the constitutional provisions while he is in charge, said an NC leader.

The issue is not free from a power-sharing for the next government. Any solution to the problem is likely to be affected by how the negotiations on the new government formation play out.

While the UML hopes the NC will uphold the gentlemen’s agreement and hand over the government leadership to Oli, many in the NC not are committed to an agreement they feel they were never part of.

“Although it was not written down, the Congress had agreed to let the UML lead the government after constitution-writing is over,” said UML General Secretary Ishwor Pokharel.

UML leaders say the other key positions will be shared among the parties. “An all-party government will be formed for an effective implementation of the newly adopted constitution and rebuilding the quake-ravaged nation,” said UML leader Rajan Bhattarai.

The second largest party is prepared to field its chairman and Parliamentary Party leader Oli for the prime ministerial position. “We hope PM Koirala will tender his resignation and talks over power sharing will begin in real sense,” said Pokharel.

The UML wants to take the government leadership by allocating the presidential position to the NC, Speaker to the Maoists and allocate the remaining positions to smaller parties joining the government.