The governing coalition seems to be confident of mustering the required support by the time the amendment bill is put to a vote.

Without divulging much detail, ruling party leaders said they would at least garner the required two-thirds majority of parliamentarians in favour of the bill. Other leaders believe the main opposition CPN-UML would also come to consensus on the matter. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi claimed that the amendment bill would get through.

Law Minister Ajaya Shankar Nayak claimed that the bill was tabled in UML’s consent. Stressing that the amendment bill was brought to fulfil the demands raised by the Madhesis, Janajatis, Tharus and Adibasis, Nayak said it would be passed at any cost. “It will take about a month before we vote on the bill. Till then, we will try to bring the main opposition on board. Even if that does not happen, the bill will be passed by a two-thirds majority,” said the CPN (Maoist Centre) leader. Nayak suggested that the bill could be amended if the major parties agreed to it.