KATHMANDU: Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” met party co-coordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal on Monday as discussions over possible provincial government alliances gathered pace.
Prachanda reached Nepal’s residence to inquire about his health. Nepal has been recovering after taking antibiotics for five days.
The meeting came shortly after Prachanda returned from Sri Lanka on Sunday. The two leaders discussed the future course of provincial governments, where both the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have already started political consultations.
During the one-hour meeting on Monday morning, the leaders agreed to continue discussions with both the Nepali Congress and UML before making any final decision, according to sources.
The discussion focused on maintaining a comfortable position by holding talks with both parties and moving forward with cooperation based on the political situation.
NCP secretariat member Laxman Regmi said that the two leaders had begun discussions but no major decision had been reached.
“Discussions were held about moving forward talks with both sides. No significant decision has been made at this stage,” Regmi said. “The meeting could not continue for long as Madhav Nepal is still recovering. They have agreed to meet again.”
Meanwhile, preliminary discussions have also taken place regarding possible cooperation between the NCP and UML if UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli adopts a flexible approach.
Sources said that if Oli becomes open to cooperation, talks could move forward on provincial power-sharing arrangements between the two communist parties.
However, Prachanda’s press adviser Govinda Acharya said there was no confirmed schedule for a meeting between Prachanda and Oli on Monday. He added that Prachanda plans to meet political leaders if necessary.
What happens with Nepali Congress?
Prachanda has also been in regular telephone contact with Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa regarding possible political cooperation.
However, reports suggest that Congress is waiting for Prachanda to formally end his alliance with UML before advancing further discussions.
A meeting between Thapa and Prachanda could take place if both leaders agree, but no formal schedule has been set yet.
A Nepali Congress office bearer said the party was not rushing the process.
“Positive signals have come regarding possible cooperation, but we have said that further discussions can take place after their formal decision,” the leader said. “We are not in a position to force the process.”
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