KATHMANDU: Discussion was held between the ruling Nepal Communist Party and the main opposition Nepali Congress leaders to forge a consensus on the citizenship bill under consideration in the parliament.

The discussion was held between the senior leaders of the two parties, after Prime Minister and NCP Chair KP Sharma Oli invited NC leaders to Baluwatar for a discussion on the citizenship bill and Millennium Challenge Corporation.

The meeting today was more focused on the citizenship bill while the PM will soon be calling another meeting on MCC, said NC Vice-president Bimalendra Nidhi, who took part in the meeting.

At the meeting, State Affairs and Good Governance Committee Chair Sashi Shrestha apprised those present of the discussion and agreement reached so far in relation to the Bill at the Committee.

On the occasion, NC leaders voiced their support for continuing with the existing provision related to naturalized citizenship by marriage. It would be against the constitutional provision and prevalent law to change the provision, they said.

Presenting NC’s official view, Vice-president Nidhi said that there was no need for any amendment or change in the existing law related to naturalized citizenship by marriage. He emphasized on the need to forge a consensus on the same.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Oli, NCP Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, General Secretary Bishnu Poudel, leaders Subash Chandra Nembang and Bhim Rawal were present on behalf of NCP. The NC was represented by Vice-president Nidhi, leaders Krishna Prasad Sitoula, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, Dr Minendra Rijal, Dilendra Prasad Badu, Ramesh Lekhak and Radheshyam Adhikari.