It is now certain that king Gyanendra will soon have to pack his bags and leave the palace. But it's not as if he's the head of country even now. Right now, the roles of both head of state and prime minister are being played by Girija Prasad Koirala.

The UML have decided not to take part in the government and all UML ministers will hand in a joint resignation. Even the NC might follow suit. But the question arises: who will occupy the spot vacated by Gyanendra?

A few days ago, Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Baburam Bhattarai went to Baluwatar to visit PM Koirala and requested that he remain prime minister for the interim period. But Koirala refused, apparently saying he is old and tired. After his refusal, the Maoists went to Raja Ram Prasad Singh, leader of the Nepal Janabadi Morcha and regarded as Nepal's first republican leader. He too, refused.

How the Maoists proceed with the current political consensus remains to be seen. In fact, the true test of the current political consensus remains to be seen. In fact, the true test of the Maoists begins now.