Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba held separate discussions with UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) chairman Pashupati Shumsher Rana on the proposed Common Minimum Program (CMP) Monday.

At the UML meeting, although no concrete decision came out, the meeting was part of an attempt to resolve a few issues at the top level. “There is no doubt on the UML joining the government, but firstly, we want consensus on some principal issues,” said an UML source without explicating further.

Task teams of the UML, the ruling Nepali Congress (Democratic) and the RPP had presented the draft of the CMP to the top leaders for a final decision.

Deuba also refused to explain the issues discussed with Nepal, but told reporters that the matters concerning the expansion of the Council of Ministers would become clear within two or three days. The hour-long meeting was held at Nepal’s residence at Koteshwor.

Likewise, Rana told reporters after the meeting that his party wanted the government to agree on 8-9 points. “The CMP is still to be endorsed by the possible allies,” he said, adding that he has not given any names to be inducted in the government.