KATHMANDU: An electoral alliance between the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) has been effectively ruled out, with NCP Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ making it clear that his party will contest the upcoming elections independently.
Although UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has not made a public statement on the issue, Prachanda has categorically dismissed the possibility of an alliance. Addressing a virtual meeting of senior party leaders on Thursday, he said the NCP is capable of contesting elections on its own and securing a parliamentary majority.
“There were talks and rumors about an alliance proposal from the UML, which you may have also heard,” Prachanda told the meeting. “But after closely assessing recent developments, including discussions among top leaders, we have decided not to enter into any electoral alliance. We can secure a majority on our own strength. So do not be misled into thinking that we are joining hands with the UML.”
According to Prachanda, UML Chair Oli did not propose a nationwide electoral alliance. Instead, Oli sought cooperation only in select constituencies where UML leaders face electoral challenges.
Prachanda informed the meeting that Oli had specifically requested support in Jhapa constituency No. 5 and Dang constituency No. 2, the latter being UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel’s electoral base. In return, UML had floated the idea of supporting NCP candidates in other constituencies.
Madhav Nepal, second-rung leaders oppose alliance
The alliance proposal was discussed among senior leaders, including NCP Co-Coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal and leader Bhim Rawal, following a meeting of the party’s election mobilization committee.
During deliberations, Madhav Nepal strongly opposed the idea, recalling Oli’s past “mistakes and betrayals” and warning that any alliance would ultimately benefit UML while politically harming the NCP.
“If we ally with Oli, he becomes stronger and we lose ground,” Nepal reportedly told the leadership, urging the party to contest independently.
A leader close to Madhav Nepal told Khabarhub that second-tier leaders also rejected the proposal, citing the painful legacy of the 2018 party merger collapse and what they described as recent “betrayal and humiliation” during the National Assembly elections.
“Oli is seeking an alliance only because he is likely to lose in Jhapa-5,” the leader said. “We must not forget the wounds of the party split and recent political betrayals.”
Rawal, Khanal back solo strategy
After being briefed by Prachanda, Madhav Nepal consulted senior leaders Bhim Rawal and Jhalanath Khanal. Both leaders, sources say, advised against any immediate alliance with the UML.
Rawal argued that Oli has become increasingly unpopular and that a strong push by the Rastriya Swatantra Party in Jhapa-5 could defeat him. “If we rush to save Oli, what happens to us?” Rawal was quoted as saying.
He warned that associating with controversial figures would damage the party’s credibility. Rawal later told Khabarhub that even if a proposal is formally made, he would reject it, insisting that the NCP has no need for alliances given its growing nationwide support.
Jhalanath Khanal also maintained that the party’s priority should be to protect democracy, republicanism and the constitution by striving for a majority mandate on its own.
‘We will not align with controversial figures’
Madhav Nepal told Khabarhub that whether or not a proposal was formally made was not the core issue. “The NCP will not move forward by aligning with individuals stained with blood,” he said, without naming anyone.
He also said that cooperation between Prachanda and himself remains strong and that attempts may be made by “various elements” to create confusion or mistrust. “We are fully aware of those spreading rumours. Seeking alliances only to secure personal safety must stop,” Nepal said.
Youth leaders warn of party backlash
Sources say Prachanda also consulted youth leaders, who warned that any alliance with Oli could trigger internal rebellion within the party.
A third-tier leader said NCP candidate Ranjit Tamang has a strong showing in Jhapa-5 and that even if victory is uncertain, the contest would significantly weaken UML. “We had told the leadership that Oli could lose Jhapa-5, especially with growing anti-incumbency,” the leader said.
Youth leaders cautioned Prachanda against being swayed by what they described as “tempting offers” from UML, arguing that aligning with Oli would transfer UML’s past controversies onto the NCP.
“Better to secure a modest but dignified seat count than to be tainted by the blood of Gen-Z movement martyrs,” the leader said.
Tamang himself reportedly called Prachanda, urging him not to pursue an alliance, arguing that the party’s nationwide momentum would be undermined by cooperation with controversial figures.
Oli still reaching out, RPP also says no
Despite the NCP’s position, Oli is said to be continuing dialogue with both the NCP and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) regarding possible alliances.
However, RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden has also ruled out any electoral cooperation with the UML, including in Jhapa-5. Lingden said that while the party had previously worked with UML, the post-movement political context no longer allows such collaboration.
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