The largest party, Nepali Congress, is likely to sit in opposition without sharing any posts with the new government. Some leaders say the party could take a lead instead in enforcing the constitution.

Even as the party has not officially decided to sit in opposition, its defeat in the PM election made this inevitable. Leaders say the NC has got at least six months to rebuild the party while playing a constructive role as the opposition.

The party is expected not to create problems for the new government before its upcoming general assembly, or as long as there are no serious problems with regard to the constitution and the larger political process.

Naturally, the Congress will seek space in implementation of the constitution, said NC leaders who want to preserve their Madhes constituencies. Four Madhes-based parties voted for Koirala in Parliament on Sunday.

A section of the party will demand the resignation of party President and Parliamentary Party leader Sushil Koirala from both the posts after his defeat in the PM election.

“Koirala should resign on moral ground,” said NC leader Purna Bahadur Khadka, who quit as the joint secretary general on Saturday over his differences with Koirala regarding his candidacy. The faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba will intensify its call for party restructuring.

NC leaders have not revealed any strategy but leaders from both Koirala and Deuba camps agree that the party should take a lead in charter implementation, initiate talks with the disgruntled parties and groups as the largest party. When the festive season is over, the party will be busy with its 13th General Convention that needs preparations for at least three months until March.

The party needs revamping, said another NC leader Prakash Sharan Mahat, charging that Koirala stopped other aspirants out of his vested interests.

The NC should support constitution amendment and fulfil its promise to the agitating Madhesis and Tharus, said Khadka. Lawmaker Ram Hari Khatiwada said the rivalry between Deuba and Koirala would grow in future.