The deepening rift between Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal erupted into the open after Bhattarai showed reluctance to step down despite Dahal's behind-the-scenes compromise deal to make Sushil Koirala prime minister. Dahal asked Bhattarai to make way for a consensus government, instead of being the obstacle saying the stalemate was affecting the country's progress. Bhattarai flatly refused, saying there was no way he would hand over power to an opponent of federalism. The heated discussion between Dahal and Bhattarai ended in the prime minister walking out in a huff and not answering calls the whole of the next day. The prime minister's political adviser Devendra Poudel visited Dahal in Lazimpat but without success. Bhattarai was present at a meeting in Lazimpat Tuesday evening, but didn't even share pleasantries with Dahal. Meanwhile, Bhattarai met with Netrabikram Chand of the breakaway CPN-Maoist requesting him to support his leadership.