We are close to consensus: Parties

KATHMANDU, MAR 01 - Top brass leaders of major political parties who went to the President's office in Sheetal Niwas Friday morning to hold discussion on forming an election government have claimed that they have inched closer to consensus.

Nepali Congress Vice President Ram Chandra Poudel and UCPN (Maoist) leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara made such claim following the meeting.

During the meeting, the leaders briefed President Ram Baran Yadav about the latest political developments and recent agreements made among the parties, sources said.

The top leaders on Thursday had agreed to finalise a package deal on forming an interim government under Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi before the first week of March.

The political parties have been making efforts to form an election government under the leadership of Chief Justice Khilraj Regmi before March 7.

Meanwhile, the case challenging the proposal to form a CJ-led government is currently under consideration in the Supreme Court.

The apex court on Sunday referred the case to a special bench that will sit on March 7.

The parties have been preparing to form the government prior to the scheduled hearing.

However, the leaders are yet to finalise the citizenship, voter's list, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, among other issues, put forth by Madhes-based parties.