The government on Thursday registered a bill at the parliament secretariat for extension of the CA for one more year. Two weeks ahead of the CA deadline, the government registered the bill unilaterally despite opposition from other political parties.
The government said that the decision was taken to avert possible catastrophe in constitutional void after 28 May and to take the peace process to a logical conclusion.
Although the opposition parties are not opposed to the idea of extension of the CA, they have been demanding the finalisation of a clear roadmap for the peace process before extending the term of the CA. On his arrival from his visit to Turkey, Khanal told reporters that the government would come up with a concrete plan on peace process within the next two week. Emphasising on a national unity government, Khanal said the government is open to discussion on consensus government.
Khanal cut short his foreign visit and returned home as the leaders had started seeking an alternative to the Khanal-led government. He called a cabinet meeting in the afternoon and got the bill endorsed by the cabinet.
Khanal had also called an all-party meeting before the cabinet meeting, but the main opposition NC and Madhesi alliance did not attend the meeting. Then, the ruling three parties took the decision to that effect despite objection of small parties in the meeting.