Kathmandu - Nepalese Maoists missed a deadline to form a new government Saturday amid serious differences between the main political parties

Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav gave the Maoists until midnight Friday to secure the backing of the other political parties to form a consensus government.

But disagreements over key ministerial portfolios have blocked the formation of a coalition government.

"Attempts to reach agreement on key ministerial posts have failed," said Upendra Yadav, leader of ethnic Madhesi People's Rights Forum. "Attempts will now be made to form a government on the basis of majority in the assembly."

Nepalese media reports said the differences centred on defence, finance and home ministries between the Maoists, the Nepali Congress and the moderate Communist Party of Nepal - Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML).

Nepali Congress reportedly sought defence ministry which the Maoists refused.

"We don't seen any meaning in leading the government if we have share home, finance and defence ministries," Maoist leader Babu Ram Bhattartai said. "If that happens, we will stay in the opposition."

The president first asked the Maoists to form a government on 29 July, within a week. That deadline was extended by another three days on the requests of the Maoists.

The Maoists emerged as the single largest party in the constituent assembly following elections in April, but without a majority. It needs the support of Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML to secure the majority in the 601 member assembly to form the government.

Nepal has been without an effective government since the April election. Girija Prasad Koirala continues to remain the prime minister in a caretaker capacity, two months after he announced his resignation. (dpa)