Uncertainty Looms Over Ruling Coalition

The decision of the CPN (Maoist Center) to nominate its own candidate for the National Assembly chair has sent ripples of uncertainty throughout the ruling coalition. In a recent standing committee meeting that concluded on Wednesday, Maoist leaders voiced strong opinions, demanding a reevaluation of their coalition partnership with the Nepali Congress (NC).

The catalyst for this reevaluation stems from the NC’s recent Mahasamiti meeting, where the party decided to cease pre-election alliances. Maoist leaders expressed discontent with the NC’s stance, particularly highlighting the demand from over 1,000 Mahasamiti members for a return to a Hindu state. This, coupled with the NC’s position on the Maoist insurgency as outlined in a report presented by NC Vice-president Purna Bahadur Khadka, has led Maoist leaders to label the NC as regressive.

Maoist Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, addressing the meeting, criticized the NC for what he perceives as repeated betrayals, citing instances such as the National Assembly election in Koshi. Despite the grievances, Dahal emphasized the importance of maintaining the coalition for the time being but advocated for the nomination of a Maoist candidate for the National Assembly chair.

Confirming the decision, Maoist Spokesperson Agni Sapkota affirmed that the party would indeed field its own candidate for the National Assembly chair. Sources within the Maoist Center hinted at a positive response from the main opposition CPN-UML regarding support for their candidate.

In anticipated quid pro quo, the UML expects Maoist support in the upcoming by-election in Ilam-2, scheduled for April 27, and is eyeing the National Assembly vice chair position in exchange for their support.

Meanwhile, former NC general secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula, who secured victory in Koshi, harbors aspirations of assuming the National Assembly chairmanship. However, the Maoist Center, citing its losses in Koshi due to cross-voting within the ruling coalition, is adamant about claiming the position.

The coalition leaders are yet to reach a consensus on the appointment of the National Assembly chair. With the Maoist Center currently holding 15 seats in the National Assembly, their decision to field their own candidate will bring their tally to 17 once the newly elected members assume office in March.

The UML, previously the largest party in the National Assembly with 17 seats, has seen a decline to third place with 10 seats due to cross-voting. The NC, now the second-largest party with 16 seats, and other smaller parties will play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of the chairmanship.