CPN-M ministers have quit the government but the Maoists as a whole still haven't separated themselves from the eight-party alliance. They are still a powerful force in the caretaker parliament. As a significant player in the historic peace agreement, they are an indispensable part of the mainstream politics.

Although the government is in a mess with the decision of the Maoists, the interim constitution of 2007 still remains intact. But the problem is over the uncertainty of the constituent assembly elections. The historic peace process is now at high risk of being jeopardised. Now that the Maoists have officially declared that they will disrupt the elections, this paves the way for a new political consensus and understanding between the alliance parties.

This means that the political leaders have to prove that they are committed to steering the country along the right political path. The Maoist ministers justified their walkout on the grounds that their allies in the government proved directionless, and had not done enough to prepare for elections.

However, the Maoists have not yet abandoned the coalition and this shows there is still hope for renewing the political alliance. The Maoists may have their own reasons for leaving the government but a decision on announcing a republic was not discarded even by Tuesday morning at the prime minister's residence.

It is surprising that the Maoist leaders even refused to accept the suggestion from other parties who tried to convince them that the republic could be declared immediately after the CA is formed, and that all parties will abide by the commitment to do so. Nepali Congress was also, in principle, in favour of a republic and ending the constitutional monarchy after the elections. But the Maoists didn't want to wait for the much-needed technicalities and procedure to make that happen. Instead they chose to make their own harsh and rash decision.

It is undeniable that while in government the Maoist leaders had themselves failed to satisfy their own cadres and live up to the expectations of most Nepalis. It seems clear that they wanted to quit the government so that they wouldn't have to act responsibly but could conduct their political activities in their own style and create an inappropriate environment.