Kathmandu, July 19 -- Senior Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala's marathon meeting with CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday, followed by his consultation with former President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Friday, has piqued a concern in political circles.

Koirala's back to back meetings with the two prominent leaders come at a time when public frustration with the government is mounting.

Some even see the move as Koirala's attempt to create an alternative alliance against the present coalition led by KP Sharma Oli. The Congress factional leader, however, denied the allegation.

"My meetings with both Dahal and Bhandari do not aim to create a new political alliance but someone should undoubtedly show both Deuba and ...