NCP eyes return to power in provinces as NC-UML alliance frays

The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) is strategically maneuvering for a comeback in provincial governments across Nepal, a year after its removal from federal and provincial power. Capitalizing on a significant political rift between the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML, the NCP is engaged in parallel negotiations with both major parties to reshape regional power dynamics.

The party leadership confirmed that they are actively positioning themselves to lead multiple provincial executives. This involves forming customized alliances based on local legislative arithmetic. While the NCP is demanding the chief minister's post in provinces where it believes it holds the strongest position, it is also open to joining governments as a coalition partner elsewhere. The political realignment is advancing rapidly, with noticeable tremors felt across Lumbini and Bagmati provinces, and more concrete developments in Sudurpaschim and Karnali.

The most immediate political shift is occurring in Sudurpaschim province, where relations between the NC and UML have sharply deteriorated. The NCP, claiming to be the largest force in the provincial assembly after unifying with Nagarik Unmukti Party lawmakers, has formally staked its claim to lead the provincial government. "The chief minister's post belongs to us as the largest party in Sudurpaschim," stated NCP spokesperson Prakash Jwala. "Discussions are progressing on that basis."

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The chief minister's post belongs to us as the largest party in Sudurpaschim. Discussions are progressing on that basis.

In Sudurpaschim, the NCP commands 22 seats in the 52-member assembly, while the UML has 11. Together, they would form a comfortable majority. An alternative NC-NCP alliance, with 18 NC seats and 22 NCP seats, would also command a majority. The NCP has demanded the resignation of the current Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah of the Congress, arguing his government is politically untenable after Shah dismissed four UML ministers. UML secretary Padma Aryal confirmed, "The coalition ran into trouble after our four ministers were removed from the government. Now discussions will naturally move towards forming another alliance."

Karnali province is also emerging as a key area for new political arrangements. NC and NCP lawmakers have jointly registered a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel of the UML. They propose Jiban Bahadur Shahi, the Congress parliamentary party leader, as his replacement. In the 40-member Karnali assembly, the NC and NCP each hold 14 seats, giving them a clear majority over the UML's 10 seats. The NCP is also closely monitoring developments in Lumbini and Bagmati provinces.

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The coalition ran into trouble after our four ministers were removed from the government. Now discussions will naturally move towards forming another alliance.