KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML – the second largest party in the House of Representatives (HoR) after Nepali Congress (NC) — is in a ‘wait and watch’ position saying that the mandate it got is not to form a government under its leadership.

However, party insiders said UML is “anticipating calls and proposals” from both NC and the Maoist Center to join the government.

The source said UML is analyzing the situation cautiously and assessing possible alternatives.

“We are aware of the fact that Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda is making frantic efforts to become the Prime Minister,” a UML leader said adding, “Therefore, he has been in regular touch with UML leaders as a bargaining chip with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.”

In fact, UML leaders are also well-aware of Prachanda using the UML card as a bargaining tactic.

Therefore, Prachanda sent Maoist General Secretary Dev Prasad Gurung to hold talks with UML Chairman KP Oli at his Balkot residence, and to convey the message he has been assured of UML’s support to form the government.

Interestingly, the race between NC President Deuba and Prachanda for premiership has been advantageous to UML, the leader, who preferred to remain anonymous, said.

Meanwhile, a Nepali Congress leader said that there has been a “theoretical agreement” between Deuba and Prachanda to form a coalition government, but the distribution of portfolios has not been finalized.

Refuting to divulge details, the leader said that Deuba should lead the government considering the number of seats in the HoR.

“Deuba is still not ready to accept Prachanda as Prime Minister to lead the new government,” the leader said, adding, “We want him (Prachanda) to wait for at least two years.”

But Prachanda does not want to wait for another two years to lead the government since he fears that Deuba can change the course and make an alliance with UML since he will have the option open to form the government according to Article 76(3) of the Constitution.

Even if Prachanda remains rigid to his stance, NC may look for other alternatives such as bringing on board the Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, CK Raut-led Janamat Party, and the Unmukti Party.

Even some NC leaders, including Arjun Narsingh KC, held talks with Oli on the issue of government formation. KC, meanwhile, has refuted that his meeting with UML leaders was meant for government formation.

During the separate meetings with NC and Maoist leaders, UML, on the other hand, emphasized the need for what it said was “minimum national understanding” between them on national issues, including forming a mechanism to unnecessary “prevent foreign meddling” in Nepal’s internal affairs.

UML leaders view that foreign meddling has “re-emerged” of late. “Therefore, we need to have a common understanding to avoid such activities,” the UML leader said.