Koirala holds joint consultation on new govt, MJF leaders absent:-

Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala held joint consultation with leaders of CPN (UML), Terai Madhesh Democratic Party (TMDP) and Sadbhawana Party (SP) as part of the attempt to form a new ruling coalition headed by UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, on Thursday.

Koirala had invited leaders of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), but they didn't attend citing their internal consultations continuing since yesterday.

In the meeting held at Koirala's Maharajgunj residence, TMDP and SP leaders promised their support to the UML-led government and agreed to cooperate with the signature campaign being initiated by the NC for the new government.

UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal, who was present at the meeting, told reporters that NC and UML are ready to implement the agreements signed between the government and the then United Democratic Madhesi Front and that the Madhesi parties are convinced by the pledge.

MJF's support is a must for the NC-UML combine to form the new government. The Madhesi party that was part of the Maoist-led government has not been able to decide whether to support the UML-led government or to ally with the Maoists.

The MJF parliamentary party is clearly divided on the issue. Party chairman Upendra Yadav and vice chairman J.P Gupta are in favour of an alliance with the Maoists while parliamentary leader Bijay Gachhadar has been lobbying for the UML-led coalition government.

मधेसी पार्टी हरु गिरिजाले खनेको खाल्टो हो, अहिले गिरिजा अफै तयो खाल्टोमा फस्दैछ।