Kathmandu, July 11, 2024 - A potential rift in the alliance between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML seems imminent. This concern was highlighted by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' in his recent remarks regarding the dissatisfaction in the government formation process. Prachanda indicated that the government should be formed by the largest party in parliament, and if this does not happen, he hinted at approaching the court.

Political Dispute

The Nepali Congress currently holds the position of the largest party in the House of Representatives, with the UML being the second largest. A rotational agreement between Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli stipulates that they will take turns serving as Prime Minister, with Oli taking the first term.

After UML withdrew its support for Prachanda, he found himself in a minority. Now, Prachanda is set to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on Friday. Maoist Centre MPs are preparing to go to court if the President does not decide according to Article 76(3) of the Constitution.

Legal Dispute

According to Article 76(3) of the Constitution, the largest party in the House of Representatives has the right to form the government. Congress leader Min Bahadur Bishwakarma argued that the Constitution does not envision the formation of a government by a coalition of two or more parties. He is confident that a new government will be formed smoothly on Friday.

UML's Response

UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula stated that the President cannot decide to proceed under Article 76(3) of the Constitution. UML has accused the Maoists of trying to complicate the efforts to form a new government.

Maoist Strategy

Prachanda discussed the option of going to court with his party's MPs on Wednesday. Maoist MP Madhav Sapkota mentioned that Prachanda assured them that the government would be formed according to Article 76(3), as the Constitution clearly provides for it.

Congress's Standpoint

Congress leader Min Bishwakarma accused Prachanda of attempting to take an illegal path due to lack of alternatives. He emphasized that the answer to forming a new government lies in a straightforward interpretation of the Constitution.

Conclusion

The potential rift in the alliance between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML is becoming more apparent, threatening the political stability of the country. The decision of the President and the possible role of the court in the government formation process will be crucial. A critic from the Maoist Centre remarked, "Even if the Maoists cannot form an alliance, they can certainly break it."