Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has disclosed that the parties of the ruling coalition will reach to a consensus regarding the future of monarchy before holding the elections to constituent assembly.

At a news conference held in New Delhi, Thursday morning, Koirala said the decision on the future of monarchy will be taken before the constituent assembly elections are held on June 20.

He said his party Nepali Congress’ stand on the issue of monarchy would be made public soon but refused to divulge what that would be. Apart from NC, other partners of ruling coalition have already stated that they would opt for republic in the forthcoming CA elections.

PM Koirala also refused to disclose the kind of understanding reached among the eight parties regarding the future of monarchy in Nepal. Asked whether Nepali Congress would favour republican, Koirala requested all to wait until CA polls are held.

Despite the deteriorating health situation, Koirala expressed confidence that he would hold the CA polls in free, fair and fearless environment.

He revealed that he was advised by the Indian leaders to hold talks with Madhesis to resolve existing unrest in terai. He said he urged for stepping up security in border areas to ensure that CA polls are not affected.

Koirala also informed that unification process between Nepali Congress and Nepali Congress (Democratic) will begin soon after his return to Kathmandu. He said an agreement has already been reached with NC-D leaders on Congress unification.

Meanwhile, Koirala said he received positive response from Bhutanese counterpart regarding the initiatives to be taken for finding solution of the protracted Bhutanese refugee issue.

Koirala is scheduled to return Kathmandu on Friday where he had gone on April 1 to attend the 14th SAARC Summit.