The Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) has said a formal request by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, inviting it to join the government as a positive move. A presidium meeting held at its party office in the Capital on Monday termed the proposal positive and decided to initiate dialogue with all the sides on the matter.

“We discussed about the proposal and took it as a positive step by the government. We will continue talks with all sides,” said RJP-N presidium member Sharat Singh Bhandari, adding that all the party leaders are optimistic about a positive result.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Oli invited coordinator of the RJP-N Presidium Mahantha Thakur to Baluwatar where the two held discussions for about two hours. The meeting came amid reports that the RJP-N was disappointed by the government’s efforts to bring only the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal on board. In the meeting, PM Oli had reportedly urged the RJP-N to join the government and contribute for the country’s prosperity.

Besides the PM’s proposal, the RJP-N’s Monday meeting also discussed the issue of constitution amendment. “Our main agenda constitution amendment remains non-negotiable,” Bhandari reiterated. “We are ready to support the government if it is positive about our issue.”

He said the party could lend support to address the issue of Madhes either by joining or staying outside the government.

The RJP-N meeting also concluded that the government of Province 2 would not be affected even though the Upendra Yadav-led SSF-N joins the govt. The two parties share power in Province 2.