The Nepali Congress (NC) and the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), an alliance of the Madhes-centric parties, have agreed to collaborate in issues related to the peace process and the constitution drafting process.
A meeting on Monday of the two parties held at Singha Durbar ended with the signing of a three point-agreement to this end.
The NC, main opposition party in the Parliament agreed to accept the UDMF as the fourth largest party.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Chairman of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Republican) Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta said the meeting between the two sides agreed to cooperate for the acceleration of the peace process and constitution-making process, and for the enforcement of the May 28 agreement.
Likewise, NC Vice Chairman Ram Chandra Poudel said the meeting has led to the creation of a new foundation for consensus between the NC and the Madhes-centric parties.
As per the three-point deal, the Madhes-based parties will henceforth attend the meeting to be held among three major parties on issues of national importance.
Besides, the meeting has agreed to settle the contentious issues related to the restructuring of the state through consensus.
NC President Sushil Koirala, senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, Vice President Poudel, general secretaries Prakashman Singh and Krishna Prasad Sitoula were among those present in the meeting.
Similarly, top leaders of the Madhes-centric parties including Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Democratic) Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar, Chairman of Sadbhawana Party Rajendra Mahato and MJF (Republican) President Mr Gupta attended the meeting representing the UDMF