A national consensus government, it seems, is going to be the refrain of political parties in coming days, if a flurry of activity that has been seen in recent days and what leaders are saying are  anything to go by.

Political parties before which lie challenges of constitution implementation and Madhes crisis among others are in a bid to reach out to each other to find a way out. One of the key issues that immediately needs to be sorted out is parliamentary regulations, which are a must when the budget session starts on May 3.

The UCPN (Maoist), a key coalition partner of the incumbent CPN-UML government, is said to be planning to propose formation of a national consensus government during an all-party meeting that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called for Saturday.

The Standing Committee meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) on Friday decided to hold talks with the ruling CPN-UML, the main opposition Nepali Congress, agitating Madhes-based parties and other political forces to find a meeting point on reconstruction, implementation of the constitution and ways to end to political standoff among others.

Leaders from various parties said the upcoming political consultations would be directed towards seeking consensus on a unity government.

“We might have to opt for a new government based on political consensus, if need be, which can accomplish the immediate challenges facing the country,” said UCPN (Maoist) Vice-chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

On Friday, Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar held talks with NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba. The meeting mainly dwelt on seeking a way out to current standoff between the ruling and opposition parties over parliamentary regulations.

The main opposition NC and ruling parties are at odds particularly over the size of the Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee.

Though the NC is said to be yet to make up its mind about leading the government, some Congress leaders are of the view that the government should be changed and that the NC should be at the helm 

“NC should lead the country as per the principles of natural justice,” said NC leader Bal Krishna Khand, adding that party President Deuba should lead the new government for the implementation of the new constitution and completion of reconstruction.

The ruling UML, in particular PM Oli, of late has been facing criticism for failing to expedite reconstruction, curb black-marketeering and resume talks with agitating Madhes-based parties, and the key coalition partner UCPN (Maoist) too has raised these issues, hinting that a consensus government could be an alternative to the incumbent one.

Against this backdrop, PM Oli has called an all-party meeting for Saturday.