CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has claimed that the constitution amendment proposal will fall through as the government’s move “is not in the country’s interest”.

Talking to journalists in Syangja on Friday, Oli said the UML would stand against the proposal which “affects Nepal’s nationality and integrity”. Oli added that his party would agree to an amendment if the government purposed reducing the number of provinces. “We will only accept a proposal that links mountains, hills and the Tarai regions,” he said. The chief of the second largest party was in Tanahun to inaugurate the first Bhimad Fair. Warning about the perils of racial discrimination, he urged the people to stand against communal and racial violence.

Talking to journalists at Pokhara Airport, Oli asked the government to make efforts to hold the elections rather than “create unnecessary disputes”. Accusing the ruling Nepali Congress-CPN (Maoist Centre) coalition of trying to push the country towards another conflict, Oli said Provinces 4 and 5 could not be restructured to create another Tarai-only state.