UML wants PM Dahal to step down by today evening

KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has urged Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” to step down to pave the way for leadership change.

UML leader Pradip Gyawali stated that if Prime Minister Dahal does not resign by Wednesday evening, CPN-UML ministers will resign en mass and withdraw their support to the government.

“We will wait until this evening,” he stated, adding, “If he (PM Dahal) does not clear the way by this evening, we will take another decision.”

“As per the agreement between the UML and Nepali Congress (NC), a decision has been made to call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to pave the way for the formation of a government under Article 76 (2) of the Constitution by Wednesday,” he stated.

He mentioned that although the agreement is currently between the NC and the UML, efforts will be made to form a government of national consensus.

The UML has also invited other parties to join in making the new government, under Chairman Oli’s leadership as per the agreement with NC, a government of national consensus.

After recalling the ministers, CPN-UML will hold a meeting to determine their next course of action.

It should be noted that the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, inked a pact for a collaborative power-sharing arrangement late Monday night.

The agreement, finalized between Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and UML Chairman KP Oli, delineates the allocation of ministries, provincial leadership roles, and the rotation of government leadership.

Under the terms, the government will initially be led by UML Chairman Oli for the first half of the year.

During Oli’s tenure, the UML will helm 9 ministries, including crucial portfolios such as Prime Minister and Finance Minister, while the Congress will oversee 10 ministries, including the Home Ministry.

Additionally, according to the agreement, UML will assume governance in the provinces of Koshi, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces, with Nepali Congress taking charge in Bagmati, Gandaki, and Sudurpaschim provinces.

The agreement was formally signed at midnight on Monday by Deuba and Oli, following the finalization of a draft by lower-level party leaders at a hotel in Lalitpur.