Representatives of the government and the Madhesi Front fail to strike a deal on Sunday. Photo: Bikram RaiWhat was dubbed as 'the decisive talks' between representatives of the government and the Madhesi Front on Sunday failed to make headway.
Nevertheless, both sides said 'the talks were heading in a positive direction and a deal looked within reach'.
Madhesi leader Lal Bahadur Raut said: "We found the government positive about our demands, and we hope the next meeting would be crucial."
Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa, who is leading the government's negotiation team, said: "Today, we started political deliberation on political demands of the front for the first time."
Thapa told journalists that the ruling parties will discuss with the main opposition NC and prepare a common proposal on how federal boundaries can be redrawn before the next meeting with the front.
The front, which is an alliance of Madhesi parties, has been staging sit-in at the Birganj border point, giving an excuse for India to impose a trade blockade against Nepal.
The blockade has continued for more than one month, creating a humanitarian crisis in Nepal that was ruined by a devastating earthquake just six months ago.
Meanwhile, the front, which has opposed to several provisions of the new constitution, has decided to intensify its agitation to put more pressure on the government.