Oli-Dahal provincial pact triggers backlash from within

A recent provincial power-sharing agreement between KP Sharma Oli, chairman of the CPN-UML, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), has ignited backlash from within both parties. Senior figures are publicly questioning the political logic and the procedural legitimacy of the deal, which was finalized without the formal approval of their respective central committees.

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We came to know about the agreement only after it had already been reached with Dahal. There has been no formal discussion on this issue within the party.

The pact, reached after a series of private meetings between Oli and Dahal, bypassed established decision-making bodies. While Oli reportedly held informal consultations with key party figures like Bishnu Paudel and Shankar Pokharel, the proposal was not officially tabled before the parties' committees prior to its announcement. This move comes shortly after Oli, Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Jhalanath Khanal appeared together, emphasizing unity among left-wing forces.

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Without a serious review of the previous unification and division, this agreement does not appear to rest on a strong foundation. It is cooperation driven by the interests of two leaders.

Oli and Dahal stated in their joint agreement that cooperation is essential to resolve "unhealthy political competition," restore stability, and improve governance, particularly in light of recent disagreements over provincial budgets and deadlocks. They aim to foster stability, good governance, prosperity, and provincial development aligned with public aspirations.

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This agreement has not emerged from political debate or ideological analysis. It remains unclear how far it will go and what larger political objective it seeks to achieve.

However, the decision has faced significant criticism. UML Vice-chair Gokarna Bista stated the party had no formal discussion regarding a provincial alliance with the NCP and learned of the agreement only after it was made. Several UML leaders are demanding an explanation for the necessity of yet another partnership with Dahal's party, especially given the repeated failures of past alliances. Former UML senior vice-chair Ishwar Pokharel criticized the agreement for lacking a convincing foundation, arguing it stems from the leaders' interests rather than a critical review of previous unifications and divisions, and questioning its broader political objective.

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The agreement was reached because circumstances demanded it. So