Political parties in Nepal continue to be sharply divided over contentious issues related to the Constitution, and are unlikely to meet Saturday's deadline for settling them.
The leaders, according to a report appearing in Kantipur Online, have indicated their inability to arrive at a consensus on pressing issues.
This is the first time in the second CA that parties are set to miss the date on the CA calendar. In the first CA, the statute drafting calendar was amended a dozen times.
In cross-party talks, the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML proposed that two reports-on agreed and disputed issues-be presented to the CA so that the calendar needs no amendment.
These parties argue that there will be room to settle disputes even after the CA takes up contentious issues, but opposition parties disagree, saying that the deadline should be extended to allow more time for agreement among the parties.
Opposition parties expressed fears that the contentious issues may be put to vote if they are taken to the CA as the ruling parties command a two thirds majority there.
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While, ruling parties suspect that the Maoist and Madhes-based parties are trying to prolong the constitution drafting process. NC and UML leaders said CA proceedings and cross-party talks should go hand in hand.
A three-party meeting is scheduled to discuss on Saturday whether to present to the CA reports on disputed issues such as forms of governance, federalism, judiciary and electoral system.
Opposition parties want to halt the constitution drafting process until talks with the CPN-Maoist conclude.
But the date and modality of the all-party conference are yet to be finalised and it could take several weeks to conclude talks with the CPN-Maoist.