In a new political development, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and coordinator of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) Upendra Yadav are learnt to have reached a crucial understanding on amending the constitution for the formation of the new government.

Emerging from the meeting, Yadav told media persons that PM Koirala was positive towards MJF demand for constitutional amendment to include a provision for the removal of the Prime Minister with a simple majority.

During the meeting held at Koirala’s official residence in Baluwatar there was also agreement on forming the new government immediately after reaching a consensus on it with all the political parties.

Peace Minister Ram Chandra Poudel had accompanied the Prime Minister in the meeting while Upendra Yadav was flanked by another MJF leader Bijaya Kumar Gachhedhar, a former Nepali Congress central member.

After emerging as the fourth largest party in the Constituent Assembly following the April 10 polls, MJF has intensified meetings with top political parties to discuss the composition of the next government as it is likely to form an important part of it.

The first meeting with PM Koirala since the polls, it came a day after MJF leaders along with its allies Terai Madhesh Loktantric Party and Sadbhawana Party met with top leaders of former arch-rival CPN-Maoist wherein they reached understanding on forming the new government prior to the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly.

Although during the meeting MJF coordinator Yadav and CPN-Maoist chairman also reached an agreement on the new government nominating the 26 members for the CA, the meeting failed to decide on constitutional amendment MJF had been seeking as CPN-Maoist are opposed to the idea.

Immediately after the meeting with the MJF chief, PM Koirala held discussion with other terai centric parties including TMLP and SP on formation of the next government and its leadership.

Koirala is said to be rooting for a “respectful place” – something like ceremonial president — in the new government which is likely to be formed under the leadership of the Maoists. However, majority of Central Working Committee members of Nepali Congress have been pressuring him to give up his ‘lust’ for presidency or remaining in power in any way. nepalnews.com ag May 12 08