The real business of the CA has not started yet in absence of agreed rules and procedure. The small parties are against the whip whereas big parties are saying the CA members should follow party directives.

Although the draft of the rules of procedure were ready before Dasain, the disagreement is delaying not just its implementation but also the start of the debate on the new constitution. Once this is complete, various committees will be formed to work on the draft constitution which needs to be ratified by April 2010.

The other delay has been caused by polarisation between parties on the issue of PLA integration into national army. This dispute, played out in the media, has overshadowed the CA business.

The cabinet had formed a special committee comprising of government coalition partners and main opposition NC to start the process of PLA integration. But the NC refused to join the committee saying the decision was taken unilaterally without consulting other political parties.

The NC has put forth conditions for its involvement in the committee that the committee should be reconstituted by incorporating their recommendations. However, the Maoists are saying the NC is trying to shy away from its responsibility.

Minister for Law and Constituent Assembly Deb Gurung on Wednesday told the reporters in Pokhara that a referendum could be used as last resort to settle the issue of army integration. He said the interim constitution should be amended so that referendum could be used as ultimate weapon.

Maoist chief whip Dina Nath Sharma on Monday echoed this view at a press meet in Kathmandu. "If NC does not come to the committee, then referendum should be held to decide the integration of PLA," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Paramananda Jha on Wednesday questioned the legitimacy of the army integration committee. He said the Supreme Court, the CA or Election Commission should define which "major political parties" should be members of the committee.

Dewan Rai