Nepal PM calls joint meeting of coalition partners

The Maoists have indicated that they would not let the budget pass if PM turns a deaf ear towards their concerns

As cracks appeared in Nepal's ruling alliance, Prime Minister K P Oli on Saturday called a joint meeting of the coalition partners in an attempt to avert any possible political crisis.

The Prime Minister called the meeting at his official residence Baluwatar to discuss various contemporary issues, his Press Advisor Pramod Dahal said.

Leaders in the meeting will discuss implementation of the Constitution Implementation Action Plan that the government had introduced recently and endorsement of the budget announced for the next financial year, he said.

The decision to hold the meeting came after Unified Communist Party of Nepal (UCPN)-Maoist Centre chairman Prachanda claimed that the next government would be formed soon after the new budget is endorsed by the Parliament.

According to media reports, the Maoists and the CPN-UML led by Oli had reached a gentleman's agreement last month in this regard.

During a meeting with the Prime Minister on Friday, Prachanda is understood to have asked Oli to honour nine-point agreement reached between the two big parties in May.

Prachanda also told Oli that his party is concerned about the formation of national unity government with the involvement of Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, according to sources close to Prachanda.

The Maoists have also indicated that they would not let the budget pass in the Parliament if Oli turns a deaf ear towards their concerns.

However, Saturday's meeting is regarded as important, as it will decide the fate of the coalition government.

Prime Minister Oli has been cornered after the Maoists raised the issue of formation of national unity government.

Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Communication Sherdhan Rai has dismissed as rumours reports about government change.

He claimed that the coalition government enjoys overwhelming support of the people and the rumour was spread by those who are scared of the government's strength.

He said that the government is ready to forge national consensus, adding no one should talk about misleading things in the name of consensus at a time when the government is making serious efforts towards implementing the new Constitution.

The government has called the agitating Madhesi parties for a dialogue to address their concern, the minister said and expressed hope that they will soon come forward for a dialogue.