Health Minister Gagan Thapa has said that the government is making efforts to bring the main opposition CPN-UML on board the constitution amendment process.

Speaking at a programme organised by his party Nepali Congress in Kavre on Monday, Thapa said, “The UML has publicly said it is against the amendment bill. However, our effort is to include the main opposition party in the process. The constitution will be amended by garnering the required number [of votes in Parliament].”

The minister claimed that the local elections would be conducted by the end of April. “The Local Body Restructuring Commission has already submitted its report. It will be implemented once it is published in the Nepal Gazette following its technical analysis,” said Thapa. He instructed NC leaders and cadres to prepare for the elections.

Thapa came down heavily on the UML, which accuses the NC of being “anti-national”.

“By talking disintegration, the UML has confused the Madhesi people. This will serve nothing except short-term political gains for the UML,” said the NC leader.