Upendra Yadav undecided amid ordinance tug of war

KATHMANDU: Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSPN) Chair Upendra Yadav has stated that his party has yet to make a decision regarding the ordinances introduced by the government last month.

Speaking on Wednesday, Yadav clarified that no formal stance has been taken on whether to support or oppose the ordinances, which are currently under discussion in the federal parliament.

While the ordinances are expected to pass easily in the House of Representatives, the government lacks a majority in the National Assembly, making Yadav’s party a key player in the decision.

“Discussions are ongoing. The ordinance review task force will submit its report at 9 AM tomorrow, after which the parliamentary party meeting at 11 AM will make a formal decision,” Yadav said.

He dismissed rumors that JSPN had already decided to support the ordinances with conditions, emphasizing that a final decision would be made on Thursday.

The ordinances are scheduled to be tabled for a decision in both the House of Representatives and the National Assembly the same day.

While the ruling coalition has a majority in the House of Representatives, it lacks the required numbers in the National Assembly.

JSPN holds three seats in the upper house, making their support crucial. As a result, both political alliances have intensified their engagement with Yadav and his party.

Although JSPN supports the government, it is not currently part of the ruling coalition. Yadav formed a task force led by Raj Kishor Yadav to study the ordinances, and its recommendations will determine the party’s stance.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba have been seeking JSPN’s backing for the ordinances.

Meanwhile, the opposition coalition, led by the Maoist Centre, is attempting to block their passage.

Yadav has distanced himself from the Socialist Front and remains displeased with Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) for allegedly orchestrating a split in his party.

Given this political dynamic, Yadav remains in talks with both sides.