KATHMANDU: In the wake of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML alliance, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda’s government and Maoist-led province governments have all found themselves in minority status.
Prime Minister Dahal is set to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament on June 12, mirroring the challenge faced by Maoist-led provincial governments in Bagmati and Lumbini provinces after UML withdrew support and left them in the minority.
Bagmati Chief Minister Shalikram Jamkattel, abandoned by UML, confirmed plans to face Parliament with confidence despite the setback.
“The decision has been made,” he stated, revealing support from Unified Socialists, Hamro Nepali Party, and other allies.
Similarly, Lumbini’s Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara, facing a similar scenario, awaits further instructions from central leaders but is preparing for potential confidence vote proceedings after UML’s withdrawal.
“The situation is evolving towards a confidence vote,” Mahara remarked, emphasizing ongoing discussions with allied parties. “Let’s wait and observe,” he added optimistically.
According to a Maoist leader, the center respects provincial autonomy in deciding on confidence vote strategies.
“It’s their constitutional right,” the leader affirmed, reflecting the Maoists’ hands-off policy on provincial matters.
The Maoist Center’s decision not to resign but to pursue confidence votes both in Parliament and provincial assemblies underscores their strategic resilience amidst political turbulence.
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