KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress (NC) leadership is under pressure to seek an alternative to the government led by Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Pracnahda, who is also Chairman of the Maoist Center.
Prime Minister Dahal’s latest moves have left NC leaders in disbelief, intensifying calls for party President Sher Bahadur Deuba to assume leadership of the government.
NC influential leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala, among others, insists that their party should take the reins of the government urging Deuba to provide clarity on whether the party intends to do so, as Prime Minister Dahal appears to be steering the ship single-handedly.
It may be noted that Dr. Koirala enjoys widespread support among leaders, including party General Secretary Gagan Thapa.
While Deuba has yet to comment on the matter, most leaders are now advocating for a gradual takeover of government leadership.
This coalition, which forged just a year ago, has come under increasing pressure as Nepali Congress leaders express concerns over corruption investigations launched by the government and PM Dahal’s involvement in forming the Samajwadi Morcha.
NC leaders have accused Prime Minister Dahal and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha of attempting to ensnare NC leaders.
They believe that they are being targeted in a fabricated case involving Bhutanese refugees and the Lalita Niwas scandal, with Maoist Vice Chairman Krishna Bahadur Mahara linked to a gold smuggling case.
NC leaders perceive that the government has deliberately slowed down the pace of corruption investigations, raising suspicions within the party.
According to them, the government’s actions are causing concern.
While the establishment faction of the Nepali Congress has maintained a cautious silence, the Shekhar-Gagan faction is growing increasingly frustrated with the government.
A central member close to Dr. Koirala stated that Prime Minister Dahal earlier threatened to mobilize street protests if removed from office, a move that caught many off guard.
It is alleged that the Prime Minister is attempting to incite social unrest by raising caste-based issues.
In light of these developments, Dr. Koirala has hinted at the necessity of exploring alternatives, as doubts about the government’s effectiveness continue to arise.
While not formally discussed within the party, informal discussions at the highest levels have already begun.
The possibility of seeking an alternative is on the table. The leader noted that this issue would be raised in the central committee meeting scheduled for the first week of October.
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