JSP Chair Thakur calls meeting of lawmakers close to him

KATHMANDU: Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Chairman Mahantha Thakur has called a meeting of lawmakers, who were elected on ticket of Rastriya Janata Party (RJP) and are close to him, Thursday.

It is learnt Thakur called an informal meeting to apprise lawmakers about the state of affairs in JSP.

The JSP apparently is divided, in principle, on power-sharing. Faction led by Thakur, including Rajendra Mahato, is inclined to back and forge alliance with CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Oli-led incumbent government whereas the other group led by Upendra Yadav and Dr Baburam Bhattarai are for anything but joining hands with PM Oli and his party.

The division is starkly visible in provincial politics of late.

In Gandaki Province, a no-confidence motion has been filed against the government of Chief Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung with the support of JSP provincial lawmakers.

Interestingly, power-sharing in adjoining Lumbini Province depicts JSP’s other side, with JSP provincial lawmakers joining the government as Ministers.

In both the provinces, CPN-UML is the ruling party.