KATHMANDU: The main opposition, CPN-UML, appears to have a clear intent—to break the ruling coalition rather than wait for ‘Mission-84’ and proceed to mid-term polls.
On Thursday, UML Chairman KP Oli publicly instructed party members to prepare for what he called a “movement,” emphasizing the necessity to dismantle the current power alliance to save the country from destruction.
Oli asserted that if breaking the alliance proves impossible, the party must be prepared for mid-term elections.
Observers speculate that Chairman Oli’s emphasis on mid-term elections may stem from growing dissatisfaction and friction within the alliance.
Chairman Oli, acknowledging the slim possibility of a government change through parliamentary means, urged leaders and workers to initiate the movement promptly, emphasizing that the party could announce the movement at any moment.
Despite the UML’s attempts to weaken the ruling coalition by engaging with various factions, including the Shekhar Koirala faction of the Nepali Congress and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, the decision to resort to a movement comes after failed attempts to cooperate in the upcoming National Assembly elections on January 25.
Despite recent proposals to cooperate with the ruling coalition, particularly on issues related to the National Assembly member elections, Chairman Oli’s overtures were rebuffed.
The UML, which secured the second-largest position in the 2079 BS elections, faces challenges in ousting the current government due to the clear majority favoring the existing ruling coalition.
It should be noted that Jhalanath Khanal, a prominent leader of the Unified Socialist Party, has expressed the alliance’s strained state, proposing the formation of a government involving UML, Maoists, and United Socialist.
While the top leaders of the alliance maintain confidence in a five-year term, Chairman Oli’s call for mid-term elections suggests a nuanced understanding of the internal dynamics and challenges facing the coalition.
Not only are the unified socialists dissatisfied, but the discontent extends to Janata Sanajwadi Party, Loktantrik Samajwadi Party, and Janamat Party regarding the current government.
Political circles are abuzz with speculation on the possibility of a new alliance, given the dissatisfaction expressed by these parties.
UML Chairman Oli, on Thursday, voiced strong concerns about the alliance’s adverse impact on the country, accusing it of damaging national interests, weakening nationalism, and compromising valuable resources.
He emphasized the urgent need for decisive action, stating, “Our independence and self-respect are being destroyed. Therefore, we may have to take decisive action before time runs out, and we need to be ready for this.”
Furthermore, Oli, who has previously attempted to dissolve Parliament twice in a bid to pave the way for mid-term elections during his tenure as Prime Minister, reiterated his commitment to this idea.
According to him, internal discussions are underway regarding the nature and preparation of the movement. Once a consensus is reached, the party will publicly outline the movement’s details, according to him.
Despite facing setbacks due to Supreme Court rulings, Oli has persistently advocated for mid-term elections.
Despite recent proposals to cooperate with the ruling coalition, particularly on issues related to the National Assembly member elections, Chairman Oli’s overtures were rebuffed.
Consequently, UML is now gearing up to participate in the National Assembly member election independently without forging an alliance with other political parties.
Characterizing the current coalition government as a “vegetable farm,” Chairman Oli claimed it to be ineffective, with corruption and commissions serving as its guardians.
Expressing a sense of urgency, he declared, “In this situation, we may not be able to wait for Mission 84. If the country starts to be destroyed, where can we wait for Mission 84? We also need to break the ruling coalition.”
A UML leader, meanwhile, emphasized that the UML is gearing up for the movement as a proactive measure to save the nation from destruction, especially in the wake of unsuccessful attempts to convey concerns to the government.
According to him, internal discussions are underway regarding the nature and preparation of the movement. Once a consensus is reached, the party will publicly outline the movement’s details, according to him.
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