KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli, following his recent appointment after toppling the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government, is now seeking a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on July 21.
In addition to the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Ashok Rai-led JSP, and Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP), PM Oli’s coalition government is currently “inclusive”, as claimed by the ruling parties.
Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula indicated that discussions with fringe political parties will precede the confidence vote.
“We are engaging in discussions with all political parties prior to seeking the confidence vote,” he stated.
“We anticipate support from the Nagarik Unmukti Party and JSP Nepal. We are also hopeful of RPP’s backing. Discussions are underway,” he added.
Excluding the Maoist Center, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Unified Socialist Party, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, and Janamorcha, other parties show positivity towards the Congress-UML coalition government.
The government is set to secure confidence votes with 176 MPs—88 from Nepali Congress, 77 from UML, 7 from JSP, and 4 from LSP.
In opposition, 32 members from the Maoist Center, 21 from RSP, 10 from Unified Socialist, and one member each from Aam Janata Party, NMKP, and Janamorcha appear to be against.
However, garnering support from 184 MPs is essential for achieving a two-thirds majority.
Chief Whip Bartaula stated that Upendra Yadav-led JSP Nepal and Janamat are poised to support with a confidence vote.
Meanwhile, Nagarik Unmukti Party has yet to decide, amidst internal disputes involving its Chairperson Ranjita Shrestha and founder leader Resham Chaudhary.
“If Nagarik Unmukti Pary withholds confidence, but JSP Nepal with 5 MPs and Janamat with 6 MPs back the vote, Oli could still secure a two-thirds majority,” Bartaula stated.
Beyond those involved in the government, the support of 187 MPs is anticipated with the addition of Janamat and JSP Nepal.
This numerical strength positions Prime Minister Oli favorably for achieving a two-thirds majority.
Furthermore, the RPP, with 14 MPs, has shown positivity following government efforts on constitutional amendment.
Prime Minister Oli is in discussions with RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden on these matters, RPP sources claimed.
The source added that discussions are ongoing. However, no decision has been reached yet.
In opposition, 32 members from the Maoist Center, 21 from RSP, 10 from Unified Socialist, and one member each from Aam Janata Party, NMKP, and Janamorcha appear to be against.
Additionally, independent MPs Dr. Amresh Kumar Singh and Yogendra Mandal have not yet declared their stance.
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