The opposition Maoist-Madhesi parties have announced a fresh protest to increase pressure on the ruling NC-UML for a consensus on the contentious issues of the new constitution.
A meeting of 30 political parties led by the UCPN (Maoist) on Sunday unveiled a series of protest programs against the ruling parties.
As part of their agitation, the Maoist-Madhesi alliance has threatened to call a three-day general strike in the first week of April. "If the NC-UML parties do not show flexibility, we will call an indefinite general strike," said Rajendra Shrestha of Federal Socialist Party Nepal, which is a constituent of the 30-party alliance.
The Maoist-Madhesi parties have announced protest programs like obstructing vehicular movement of ministers and top bureaucrats, encircling government offices and disrupting revenue collection at customs offices.
The opposition parties say they were forced to announce a fresh protest as the ruling parties did not show sincerity to constitutional negotiations.
"Even while carrying our protest programs, we will be sitting in talks with the ruling parties," said Shrestha. "We have not turned our back to negotiations."
In February, the Maoist-Madhesi parties had completed the first phase of agitation that culminated in a show of strength in Khula Manch, Kathmandu. After showing their strength by bringing thousands of cadres to the capital, they had decided to resume talks with the NC-UML.
Last week, ruling and opposition parties also held a few formal talks that ended inclusively.
"Prime Minister Sushil Koirala often talks of 'win-win situation' and 'give and take' but is not serious about what he says," said Shrestha. "He is in the shadow of the UML Chair KP Oli. Hence, our new protest."
The ruling and opposition parties mainly have disagreements on the basis and number of new federal units.