UML on verge of split as miraculous deal between two factions unlikely

KATHMANDU: Ruling CPN-UML has reached a critical juncture with the two factions – Oli and Nepal-Khanal – showing no signs of flexibility in sight.

Reacting to the six-point demands floated by the Nepal-Khanal faction following a discussion among the leaders of the faction on Sunday night, the Oli faction said, “Do not threaten any more.”

In a letter sent to the party chair and Prime Minister KP Oli, the Nepal-Khanal faction said they would cast votes in favor of Oli only when the establishment would fulfill  their six point demands.

A leader close to the Oli faction said if the leader of the Nepal-Khanal faction were positive on the party unification, they would have not called for UML lawmakers to stand united against Prime Minister Oli.

A miraculous agreement between the two factions of the ruling UML is almost unlikely today, according to the leader.

The Oli faction has claimed that the leaders of the Nepal-Khanal faction telephoned UML proportional representational lawmakers including Parbati Bisunkhe urging them to cast votes against Oli.

“There is no possibility of talks with them immediately,” said the leader.

Meanwhile, issuing a statement on Sunday evening, PM Oli had warned that some leaders were inclined to end their political careers by resigning en-masse.

Prime Minister Oli is seeking a vote of confidence in the Federal Parliament this afternoon.

A special session of parliament convened by Prime Minister Oli to seek a vote of confidence is being held this afternoon at 1 pm.

Prime Minister Oli requires at least 136 votes in the 275-member HoR to win the confidence motion.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari, on the recommendation of the government, summoned a special session of the Parliament on May 10 to seek a vote of confidence.