Dahal and Sharma Enter Race for Upper House Chair: Nominations Officially Filed

Narayan Dahal from the five-party ruling alliance and Yuvaraj Sharma from the Nepali Congress have officially thrown their hats into the ring for the coveted position of National Assembly chair. The stage is set for a tense showdown as the vote is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

Dahal’s nomination, backed by key figures within the ruling coalition, underscores his prominence and political clout. Proposed by Gopal Bahadur Sharki of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and supported by representatives from various parties including CPN-UML, CPN (Unified Socialist), and Janata Samajbadi Party, Dahal’s candidacy carries considerable weight within the alliance.

Meanwhile, Sharma’s candidacy, endorsed by Ananda Prasad Dhungana of the Nepali Congress and seconded by prominent party figures, reflects a formidable challenge from the opposition camp. With his roots deeply entrenched in Nepali Congress and having served as the former Banke district chairperson, Sharma brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the table.

Notably, Narayan Dahal, who shares familial ties with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, boasts a rich political history dating back to the 1980s. Rising through the ranks, he became a central committee member of the Maoist party in 1997 and has since played a pivotal role in Nepal’s political landscape. Similarly, Yuvaraj Sharma’s recent ascent as a lawmaker in 2022 underscores his growing influence within the Nepali Congress and his commitment to public service.

With the ruling alliance commanding a comfortable majority of 38 members in the 59-strong upper house, the upcoming vote promises to be a closely watched affair. However, with one position still vacant, every ballot cast will carry significant weight, potentially reshaping the balance of power within Nepal’s political arena.