Kathmandu, 25:

The ruling CPN-Maoist and United Democratic Madhesi Front Friday said they would do their best until the last minute to promulgate the new federal constitution before the expiry of the Constituent Assembly term.

The meeting held at Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda’s residence at Lazimpat reiterated that they would not accept a constitution without a clear picture of the federal-setup.

Emerging from the meeting, Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Ganantantrik acting chairman and Minister for Information and Communications Rajkishor Yadav said that the meeting decided to concentrate efforts to promulgate the new constitution within the deadline of May 27.

Information Minister Yadav further said, "They will not accept the constitution without federalism and federalism without identity."

According to Yadav, the meeting also decided to go for voting as soon as possible if the disputed issues of the new constitution were not resolved by consensus among the parties.

The meeting repeated its stand that Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai would not resign until the new constitution was promulgated.

Meanwhile, the Broader Madhesi Alliance, a loose alliance of cross-party Madhesi lawmakers, Friday said that it would not accept the constitution if it was promulgated without a clear federal map.

Addressing a mass gathering at New Baneshwore, Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum Nepal chairman and coordinator of the Front Upendra Yadav said that if the new constitution was not promulgated from the Constituent Assembly, there would be no alternative to new elections to the CA.

The Front held a rally from Bhadrakali before it turned into a mass meeting in front of the CA building in New Baneshwore.

Chairman Yadav accused the big three parties and the United Democratic Madhesi Front of hatching conspiracy to transform the Constituent Assembly into a parliament for the purpose of resolving the disputed issues of federalism.

Another leader of the Front, Sharat Singh Bhandari, a senior leader of Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic, said that if the big three parties and the ruling Madhesi Front did not promulgate the new constitution by May 27, they should declare dates for fresh elections.

Other leaders of the Front also reiterated that they would continue to agitate until the Madhesi People got autonomous Madhes State.

Outside the valley, the Front continued its strike bringing normal life to a complete halt

In Saptari, life was paralyzed for the 10th consecutive day Friday.

All transportations, markets, factories and academic institutions remained closed.

The Front has been demanding one Madhes one Province.

The bandh enforcers torched Nagarik and Annapurna Post dailies at Bhardaha of Saptari district this morning for not giving priority to their news.

They also burnt Kantipur at Rupani Chowk.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded at Shambunath, Barmajhiya and Mahuli areas due to strike.