KATHMANDU: The allocation of seats for the January 25 National Assembly (NA) has been a hard nut to crack for the ruling coalition.
A meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Sunday morning on the allocation of the 19 vacant seats in the NA remained a point of contention as the alliance failed to reach an agreement.
During the discussion, Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak revealed a proposed plan to distribute the seats, suggesting 10 for the Nepali Congress, 6 for the Maoist Center, 2 for the Unified Socialist Party, and 1 for Janata Samajwadi Party.
However, a final decision on this allocation awaits further deliberation within the party.
Initially, the ruling coalition agreed to assign one seat each to Nagarik Unmukti Party and Janamat Party.
However, discord arose when Loktantrik Samajwadi Party and Rastriya Janamorcha asked seats, leading the Congress to take a firm stance.
Sources indicate ongoing talks about nominating a member from Rastriya Janamorcha as a Member of Parliament.
Maoist General Secretary Dev Gurung stated, “The blueprint is ready,” emphasizing that parties are advised to consult with members within their ranks.
The final decision is pending and currently under consideration.
Meanwhile, the Unified Socialist and Janata Samajwadi Party left the meeting, expressing dissatisfaction with the allocated seats, stating that they did not receive an adequate share.
Sources, meanwhile, revealed that an agreement has been reached among the coalition partners to pick Durga Paudel, the Vice-Chairperson of Rastriya Janamorha, on behalf of the President’s nomination.
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