KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML have stepped up discussions towards a new power-sharing arrangement.

On June 29, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba visited CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli at his residence in Balkot, initiating talks on cooperation.

Accompanied by his wife Arzu Rana, Deuba engaged in a three-hour discussion with Oli during the visit.

This meeting marks a significant development in the ongoing negotiations for power cooperation between the two parties.

Since June, both leaders have been in frequent discussions aimed at forging a cooperative agreement.

The talks gained momentum following Oli’s discontent with the budget announcement, prompting NC leaders, notably Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, to act as intermediaries in persuading Oli and his faction.

Sources indicate that following Deuba’s visit to Balkot, the parties have drafted a tentative agreement and made progress in their discussions regarding potential government options.

However, the crucial decision of who will assume the role of Prime Minister in the future government remains unresolved.

A senior Nepali Congress leader disclosed that during the June 29 meeting, Deuba proposed Oli as the Prime Minister, highlighting a pivotal moment in their negotiations.

Echoing Deuba’s sentiments, Arzu Rana Deuba stressed the urgency for major parties to unite and reform the constitution and electoral system, warning that failure to do so could lead to a crisis among the major parties.

The leaders from both secretariats have acknowledged the necessity for collaboration between NC and UML, particularly in addressing constitutional amendments and enhancing governance effectiveness.

“It’s imperative for the two major parties to move forward together to tackle the persistent challenges outlined in the constitution,” emphasized a Nepali Congress leader, hinting at the potential for a new political trajectory driven by this partnership.

The discussions between Deuba and Oli have underscored the urgency of uniting the country’s major political forces to prevent smaller parties from perpetually assuming leadership roles and fostering instability.

Oli had previously floated the idea of a coalition government with the Nepali Congress, focusing on constitutional revisions and effective governance, a proposition that Deuba has now embraced following positive developments in mid-June.

“We have crafted a new plan because the country could descend into anarchy and instability if we don’t amend the constitution and the electoral system promptly,” a Nepali Congress leader informed Khabarhub.

“UML Chairman Oli and Chairman Deuba are taking this seriously and are discussing moving in that direction.”

Sources reported that Deuba proposed the prime ministership to Oli during their meeting in Balkot, indicating their intention to jointly govern.

There has been speculation about the two major parties joining forces to form a government and reform the current electoral system and constitution.

“Nepali Congress is willing to relinquish leadership of the government to UML,” stated a senior Nepali Congress leader.

“Our President is committed to establishing a stable government as desired by the people to propel the country forward.”

UML leaders have acknowledged the impossibility of any party securing a majority under current circumstances.

Hence, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has long advocated for a two-party system.

He argues that the initial short-term collaboration between Congress and UML is crucial in this regard.

“Given the current scenario where no party commands a majority, finding a solution together with the major parties is imperative,” noted a top UML leader.

UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bertaula also commented, stating, “In politics, there are always numerous possibilities, and parties naturally discuss and approach issues from different angles.”

“There is no contention between the parties regarding leadership roles.”

Meanwhile, leaders from Nepali Congress, the largest party in parliament, are prepared to support Oli as Prime Minister.

They emphasize that whoever assumes this role must be prepared to simplify the constitution and electoral processes to mitigate existing complexities.

“With Deuba’s willingness to collaborate by ceding leadership, the prospect of a new partnership is gaining traction,” remarked sources.

Echoing Deuba’s sentiments, Arzu Rana Deuba stressed the urgency for major parties to unite and reform the constitution and electoral system, warning that failure to do so could lead to a crisis among the major parties.

Sources indicate that discussions between the two leaders continued into the evening of June 29 somewhere in Lalitpur.

“Given the current complexities facing the country, the convergence of the two major parties is the only viable option,” added another Nepali Congress leader. “We stand behind Deuba on this.”

Meanwhile, UML leaders also advocate for the collaboration of the two major parties to reform the electoral system and strive towards a clear majority, aiming to minimize power struggles.

We asked Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak about the proposal of KP Oli as Prime Minister.

In this context, leaders from both UML and Congress assert that Deuba will propose Oli as Prime Minister and aim to form a new government within a week.

He responded, “There are many possibilities in politics. Currently, I am not aware of such a proposal. Discussions are ongoing on various other topics.”

UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bertaula also commented, stating, “In politics, there are always numerous possibilities, and parties naturally discuss and approach issues from different angles.”

“Leaders will engage in discussions regarding the current political situation in the country, but as of now, I am not informed about this particular matter,” he added.

“It has been 8 years since the constitution was promulgated, and it’s imperative to discuss the necessity for its review and progression.”

Bartaula noted, “It’s natural for major parties in the same parliament to explore different perspectives and issues. However, I am not aware of any discussions among leaders about an immediate change in government.”

Meanwhile, a dispute involving the cooperative embezzlement case of Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane is scheduled for resolution in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, amid ongoing discussions regarding potential cooperation between Nepali Congress and UML.

The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision in Lamichhane’s case could significantly influence the potential power dynamics.

In this context, leaders from both UML and Congress assert that Deuba will propose Oli as Prime Minister and aim to form a new government within a week.