Nepal: PM Oli and Deuba Dismiss Government Change Speculations
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Synopsis
Kathmandu, April 26 (NationPress) Rising tensions between the ruling coalition partners in Nepal, CPN-UML and Nepali Congress, have surfaced as leaders discuss sustaining their alliance amidst public protests. PM Deuba refutes claims of an impending government change, while tensions remain due to dissatisfaction with PM Oli's leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Coalition partners CPN-UML and Nepali Congress are experiencing tensions.
- Opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal supports Deuba as PM.
- Deuba denies rumors of a government change.
- Oli confirms he will hand over PM position to Deuba in 14 months.
- Public frustration is growing due to government inaction.
Kathmandu, April 26 (NationPress) The escalating divergences among the ruling coalition partners in Nepal - Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and Nepali Congress have come to light as the senior leaders of both parties engaged in discussions aimed at maintaining the existing coalition, local media reported on Saturday.
Speculations about the ongoing rift between the two parties intensified following a public statement from the chief of the main opposition and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who expressed his support for Congress Chief Sher Bahadur Deuba to assume leadership of the next government, potentially replacing the current Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
According to Nepal's prominent newspaper, The Kathmandu Post, some members of the Congress party have reported growing discomfort with PM Oli's approach.
In the meantime, upon his return from Bangkok, Deuba addressed journalists and denied any chance of a governmental shift.
"Our alliance remains solid and will not change," Deuba stated.
Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba mentioned that while Congress Chief Sher Bahadur Deuba was in Bangkok, Oli contacted him to discuss the situation following media reports regarding government instability stemming from political rumors in Kathmandu.
"There is no possibility of a government change. This rumor is being circulated for amusement. The Prime Minister also had a lengthy discussion with the party President [Deuba] on this matter," said the foreign minister.
After his conversation with Deuba, Oli confirmed that he would transfer the PM position to Deuba in 14 months, as agreed between the two parties during the formation of the government in July of the previous year.
"I will resign after 14 months and pass on the premiership to Deuba," Oli informed reporters following a meeting in the House of Representatives.
Recent reports indicate that the relationship between the coalition partners has weakened as the government faces numerous challenges amidst rising public dissatisfaction.
Last week, Congress leaders decided to assess the government's performance in light of various street protests.
The two-party mechanism established to enhance the coalition's effectiveness convened due to the government's inability to address issues like the demands of protesting teachers.
However, the subsequent meeting between Congress and UML concluded with no significant issues identified between the two parties.
