Coalition in favor of convincing RPP by giving Speaker, UML throwing ‘Congress Card’

Biratnagar:  The political crisis has increased in Koshi Province. With the fall of the Uddav Thapa-led government, a discussion has begun regarding the new government.

There is a rise in confusion about who will lead the government and how.

The Supreme Court has allotted one week to form a united government following Clause 2 of Article 168 of the Constitution of Nepal. Mainly, two alternatives are being discussed in the coalition. According to a Provincial Assembly member of the CPN (Maoist Centre) from the coalition, there are two alternatives.

The first alternative-including Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) in the coalition. RPP has six members in the Provincial Assembly. The discussion is being made to include RPP in the coalition.

However, this is not the first attempt of convincing the RPP to the coalition. RPP refused to join the coalition in the previous proposal. Nepal Views asked the Maoist member-‘Will they agree this time?’. He replied, ‘They must agree and should agree.’

He clarified, ‘There is the chance of addition by giving the desired ministry to RPP. This is the agenda of the discussion. There is a chance of RPP’s arrival. Optimistic discussion has been conducted regarding the matter with a few RPP leaders.’

The coalition is preparing to make Speaker Baburam Gautam resign in case of participation of RPP. And, the preparations are going on to give the Speaker to RPP. The leader added that Gautam must also give his resignation stepping on ethical grounds.

The leader said, ‘Gautam must resign as the Supreme Court has found his involvement wrong and corrected the error.’

The leader claims of RPP joining the coalition if given Speaker and desired ministry. He added that the coalition won’t give the position of Chief Minister to RPP. He said that the position of CM could not be given to RPP as it was demanding the dismissal of developmental power and territorial structure.

The second alternative-making Spokesperson resign.

The coalition has decided to go for a second alternative in case of the failure of the first one. The government will be formed if the Speaker resigns from the post and participates as a member of the Provincial Assembly.

Previously, there was also the participation of Gautam in the formation of the government; but without submitting his resignation. That is also the reason for the fall of the Uddav Thapa-led government. But, the coalition is trying to make Gautam submit his resignation under the second alternative.

Chief whip of Nepali Congress Bhupendra Rai also gave the same alternative. He said, ‘The government will be formed on the leadership of the coalition. For this, we will make the Speaker resign. The government must be formed under the leadership of the Nepali Congress.’

If Gautam resigns, the government would be formed under the leadership of the coalition. The coalition will have 47 members. The number is enough to claim the government. Perhaps it is not an easy majority.

Even Speaker Gautam seems to be in favor of his resignation. He said that he was ready to give his resignation as the last alternative. Ethical questions have started to raise against Gautam, hence he seems to submit his resignation easily.

‘Chief Minister’ Card of CPN (UML)

CPN (UML) had filed a case against the Nepali Congress-led government in the Supreme Court. But UML is positive about making the government; in collaboration with Nepali Congress.

Member of the Provincial Assembly and former Chief Minister of the Province Hikmat Karki said, ‘We are ready to form the government in the leadership of Nepali Congress.’ Karki reached Biratnagar from Kathmandu on Friday.