Raising the pitch against Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, a group of 10 political parties have come together under the umbrella of the Maoists to join the clamour for his resignation.
A meeting of 10 parties represented in the Constituent Assembly demanded PM's resignation, which they said was crucial in finding a way out of the political deadlock.
The Maoists, which had launched a major anti- government agitation crippling the Nepalese capital last week, have decided to form an alliance with political parties who are "committed to national independence, secularism and a federal democratic constitution".
"We will develop an alliance for the long run with a common minimum programme of peace, constitution and other vital issues of the nation," Maoist chief Prachanda told reporters.
He said the joint meeting was a good beginning towards forming an alliance.
The parties agreed that prime minister's resignation was their first condition to create an environment conducive to national consensus and demanded that he step down "to pave way for national consensus and a national unity government to guarantee peace and constitution".
The Maoists, which have so far presented Prachanda as their only candidate for prime minister's post, also appeared ready to show flexibility on the issue, hinting that they were ready to consider alternative options under Maoist leadership.
{{/usCountry}}The Maoists, which have so far presented Prachanda as their only candidate for prime minister's post, also appeared ready to show flexibility on the issue, hinting that they were ready to consider alternative options under Maoist leadership.
{{/usCountry}}The parties which met on Monday to discuss ways to end the political impasse included the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, CPN (Unified), Nepal Sadbhawana party, Nepali Janata Dal, Rastriya Mukti Party and Nepal Rastriya Party, among others, besides the Maoist party.
In the meeting, the leaders also discussed an alternative to Prachanda if the possibility of formation of a new government under the Maoist leaders is seen, a Standing Committee leader was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post.
The Federal Democratic National Forum, Chure Bhawar Ekata Party and Dalit Janajati Party were also part of the meeting.
Meanwhile, a defiant Prime Minister Nepal has started consultation with political parties to extend the term of the Constituent Assembly which is expiring on May 28.