Congress weighs ending power-sharing with UML in all provinces

The Nepali Congress is moving to dissolve its power-sharing agreements with the CPN-UML across all seven provincial governments, according to party sources. The leadership has determined the alliance is no longer viable, signaling a significant shift in the country's political landscape.

Two primary factors are driving this decision: fundamental disagreements over the parties' responses to last year's Gen Z protests and growing dissatisfaction with the CPN-UML's performance and conduct within the provincial administrations. The Nepali Congress intends to withdraw its ministers from these provincial governments.

Following the withdrawal, the party will engage in discussions with Pushpa Kamal Dahal, coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP). The outcome of these talks will determine the Congress's next steps. A potential agreement could lead to a new coalition with the NCP in the provinces. Alternatively, if negotiations falter, the Congress might adopt an opposition stance in the provinces, mirroring its federal position.

This potential realignment was a key topic during a recent meeting between Congress president Gagan Thapa and NCP coordinator Dahal. While dialogue is ongoing, no formal announcement has been made regarding the dissolution of the UML alliance or the formation of a new coalition. "We want to come out of this uneasy partnership with the UML," stated Congress vice president Bishwa Prakash Sharma, underscoring the party's desire for a change in its political associations.

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We want to come out of this uneasy partnership with the UML.