Coalition’s Positive Sentiments on UML’s Demand Anger Madhav Nepal

In a surprising turn of events, the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) has demanded six seats for the upcoming National Assembly (NA) elections scheduled for January 25, leading to mixed reactions within the ruling coalition.

During a discussion held at Baluwatar, the official residence of the Prime Minister, on Wednesday evening, CPN-UML Chair KP Oli formally requested six seats in the National Assembly. While the ruling Nepali Congress and the Maoist Center expressed positive sentiments about the proposal, the Unified Socialist Party, led by Madhav Kumar Nepal, voiced dissatisfaction and anger.

Rajendra Pandey, Vice Chairman of the Unified Socialists, disclosed that CPN-UML had linked their acceptance of the proposal to matters related to transitional justice. Specifically, they proposed granting CPN-UML six seats in the National Assembly in exchange for their agreement on issues pertaining to transitional justice.

The proposal, which aimed to secure at least six seats out of the eight vacant positions for CPN-UML, was deliberated in the alliance meeting. However, a conclusive decision could not be reached.

The main opposition party’s proposal within the ruling coalition has caused ripples in the political landscape. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda briefed the alliance meeting on CPN-UML’s request at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Baluwatar on Thursday morning. Unfortunately, the meeting concluded without a decision as the Unified Socialist Party expressed dissatisfaction.

Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Nepal dismissed CPN-UML’s demand, stating that there is no basis for granting them such a number of seats in the National Assembly. He emphasized that CPN-UML should not dictate terms.

As of now, the alliance has not agreed to allocate a seat to CPN-UML due to the reluctance of the Unified Socialist Party. Another alliance meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening to further discuss this contentious issue. The political landscape remains tense as the parties strive to find a resolution ahead of the impending National Assembly elections.