Deuba-Nepal Meeting Sparks Formation of Alternative Coalition Amid Ruling Coalition Turmoil

In a significant political development, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Chairman of the CPN United Samajwadi Party, currently a part of the ruling coalition, held a crucial meeting with Sher Bahadur Deuba, Chairman of the main opposition Nepali Congress. This rendezvous, amidst growing discontent within the ruling coalition, has set the stage for the potential formation of an alternative alliance.

Sources indicate that the meeting took place on Wednesday evening at the residence of a prominent leader in Golfutar, Kathmandu. While the details remain unconfirmed, reports suggest that discussions revolved around key issues such as the appointment of Dirgha Sodari as Chief Minister of the Far West Province Government and broader strategies for forging an alternative coalition.

The brewing discontent within the ruling coalition came to the fore when CPN-S openly challenged the status quo by expressing support for Lakshman Kishore Chaudhary of the Civil Liberation Party as Chief Minister in Sudurpaschim Province, backed by the Nepali Congress.

Insiders reveal that Deuba and Nepal deliberated on the formation of the Far West Province government and explored avenues for a potential alliance at the federal level. With CPN-S withdrawing from the coalition, there’s a palpable sense that a new power dynamic is emerging, potentially reshaping the political landscape across various provinces.

However, the success of such an alternative alliance hinge on the unity of the ruling coalition, particularly the Unified Marxist-Leninist (UML) and the Maoist Center. As long as these factions remain aligned, the opposition’s efforts may face formidable challenges.

Presently, the ruling coalition commands a significant majority, with 157 MPs, though recent rifts within NAUPA pose a threat to its stability. The uncertainty surrounding NAUPA’s allegiance underscores the fragile equilibrium of the current government.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress, relegated to the opposition following Prime Minister Dahal’s realignment with UML, is actively seeking to challenge the incumbent government. Despite facing resistance from Nepal regarding assuming the Prime Minister ship, the opposition remains steadfast in its pursuit of an alternative coalition.

The endorsement of Dirgha Sodari as Chief Minister by CPN-S has added another layer of complexity to the situation. While UML’s stance on this nomination remains ambiguous, doubts linger over whether they will extend support. The absence of UML President KP Sharma Oli further complicates the matter.

In a related development, the CPN-S Secretariat decided to promote Sodari as Chief Minister of the Far West Province, signaling a potential shift in power dynamics within the ruling coalition.

As Nepal braces for potential political upheaval, the outcome of these behind-the-scenes negotiations remains uncertain, with implications that could reverberate throughout the country. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves.