KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), a political party with significant influence in the formation of the government in Koshi Province, is currently engaged in both intensive external and internal discussions.
RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden held “significant discussions” with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba on Monday.
Likewise, Lingden also engaged in discussions with NC leader Shekhar Koirala regarding the formation of the government in Koshi Province.
During these discussions, both Deuba and Koirala appealed to RPP Chairman Lingden for support in forming the government in Koshi Province, emphasizing their alignment on political agendas.
Lingden, recognizing the Nepali Congress as more closely aligned with his party’s agenda compared to CPN-UML, expressed his party’s desire for NC’s support.
According to a reliable source within the Nepali Congress, the RPP, which advocates for a Hindu state and Constitutional Monarchy, expects the NC to demonstrate flexibility on this matter before the government formation in Koshi Province.
Previously, the RPP had extended its support to the government led by CPN-UML Chief Minister Hikmat Karki.
Despite the UML holding 40 seats and the RPP having 6 seats, the Karki-led government collapsed due to its inability to secure an additional seat for retaining power.
It is worth mentioning that during a coalition meeting held in Baluwatar on Sunday, it was decided to form a government in Koshi Province under the leadership of the Nepali Congress.
However, the coalition’s success in forming the government depends on securing the support of the RPP.
Given that the coalition, consisting of the NC and UML, only holds a total of 46 MPs, incorporating the RPP becomes crucial in order to achieve a majority.
The Koshi Province Assembly comprises 93 MPs, requiring 47 members to form a government.
Currently, the Province Assembly consists of 29 NC members, 13 Maoist Center members (including the Speaker), 4 Unified Socialist Party members, and 1 MP from the Janata Samajwadi Party.
Meanwhile, the RPP has escalated both internal and external discussions on whether or not it should lend support to the government led by the Nepali Congress in Koshi Province.
Comment