Uncertainty looms as PM Dahal refuses to step down

KATHMANDU: The alliance between Maoist Center, CPN-UML, and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has collapsed, throwing Nepal into political disarray.

Following an agreement between Nepali Congress and UML to form a government of national consensus, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ finds himself leading a minority government.

Currently, Prime Minister Dahal commands the support of only 80 MPs, including 32 from the Maoist Centre, his own party, and others from various smaller parties, including the RSP.

With the loss of majority support, the UML is pressing for Dahal’s resignation to facilitate a smooth transition.

It should be noted that UML Chairman KP Oli met with PM Dahal on Tuesday morning and urged him to step down and pave the way forward.

“UML has urged Prime Minister Dahal to step aside and pave the way forward. If not, alternative constitutional processes will be pursued,” a CPN-UML leader told Khabarhub.

However, PM Dahal appears determined to hold ground.

A meeting of Maoist Center office bearers held at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar decided to seek a vote of confidence from Parliament instead of resigning, citing Article 100 of the Constitution.

This article mandates that a Prime Minister must seek a vote of confidence within thirty days if their party splits or withdraws from the government.

As the country navigates tumultuous political waters, all eyes are on the unfolding dynamics and the constitutional procedures.

Accordingly, the process of forming a new government will proceed only if the Prime Minister fails to secure a vote of confidence.

According to the constitutional provision, a Prime Minister requires to seek a vote of confidence within 30 days if any supporting party withdraws.

And, if the Prime Minister does not receive a vote of confidence within this period, the process of forming a new government will commence.

The President would then initiate the process of forming a new government.

An unresolved question remains whether the President will invoke clause 2 or clause 3 of Article 76 of the Constitution.

Under clause 3, the largest party in the House of Representatives must stake its claim to form the government. Presently, the Nepali Congress holds this position as the largest party in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, the RSP, a coalition partner, has decided to remain in the government unless Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal resigned from his position.