Provincial alliances crumble as cracks develop in Congress-UML ties

Nepal's political landscape is set for significant upheaval as the Nepali Congress announced its decision to sever ties with the CPN-UML, dissolving their governing alliance across all seven provinces. This move signals a major realignment of provincial power structures and follows escalating disagreements between the two major parties at the national level.

The fallout was immediate. In Sudurpaschim Province, Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, affiliated with the Congress, dismissed four UML ministers, prompting the UML to withdraw its support for his government. Concurrently, in Karnali Province, four Congress ministers submitted their resignations to Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel. Similar resignations are anticipated from Congress ministers serving in UML-led provincial governments.

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When people stay together but no longer feel they truly are, even husbands and wives part ways. Our relationship with the UML had reached a point where it became suffocating, and we felt we had no option but to walk away.

Congress Vice-president Bishwa Prakash Sharma confirmed the party's withdrawal from the alliance, citing the UML's perceived lack of sincerity regarding the Gen Z protests and the management of provincial governments. He likened the strained relationship to a "suffocating" marriage, leaving the Congress with no choice but to part ways. The party indicated it would either seek to remain in government through a new coalition or serve in opposition if an understanding with Pushpa Kamal Dahal's CPN (Maoist Centre) is not reached.

Currently, both the Congress and the UML jointly govern all seven provinces. The Congress leads in Madhesh, Bagmati, Sudurpaschim, and Gandaki, while the UML heads governments in Koshi, Lumbini, and Karnali. With the Congress now breaking ranks with the UML, Dahal's CPN (Maoist Centre) has become the pivotal force in shaping the future of provincial administrations. Discussions between Congress President Gagan Thapa and Dahal have already taken place, focusing on power-sharing arrangements, with further negotiations expected upon Dahal's return from an international visit.

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For some time now, both Congress and UML have proposed provincial partnerships. At the time, we were not interested in joining a government merely for power. Now, it