NC is free to partner with UML to ratify MCC: CPN-US leader Khanal

KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and respected leader of the CPN-Unified Socialist (CPN-US) Jhala Nath Khanal has said that the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) is free to forge an alliance with the CPN-UML.

Khanal’s statement comes at a time when the ruling coalition is divided over the United States grant Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the NC is intensifying discussion with the main opposition UML.

While the NC is all for ratifying MCC from parliament, the CPN-Maoist Center and the Unified Socialist have hindered NC efforts, with their opposition.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Khanal said, “If the NC wants to move forward by forging forces with the UML, then they are free to do so. I have even conveyed the same message to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other NC leaders. If a situation arises where we have to part our ways then we are ready to walk our way. That simply won’t make any difference.”

Leader Khanal remarked that even if the alliance breaks down, it will not make any difference.

Khanal said that despite strong opposition to MCC, Prime Minister Deuba was forcing it forward. He added that PM Deuba was marching into a trap set up by the US by pursuing MCC.

He clarified that both Maoist Center and Unified Socialist had decided against the passage of MCC.