KATHMANDU: Nepail Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli have begun separate consultations with their close aides as discussions on a new provincial power-sharing arrangement gather momentum.
The consultations come after the two leaders held a nearly two-hour meeting on Tuesday, during which they discussed the possibility of political cooperation in the provinces. The meeting signaled that both sides are open to working together, although no concrete agreement has yet been reached.
A leader close to Prachanda said the talks have opened the door for cooperation but that discussions are still at a preliminary stage. According to the leader, the two sides have yet to agree on a clear framework, modality or detailed power-sharing arrangement.
“The leaders agreed to keep the door open for cooperation and hold further discussions after consulting their respective parties,” the source said.
According to Niru Pal, a member of Oli’s secretariat, Tuesday’s meeting created a positive environment for continued dialogue.
“The meeting indicated that the door for dialogue remains open. After both leaders consult their respective teams, further developments may follow,” Pal said, adding that the discussions focused on the latest political developments and the prospects for cooperation.
Following the meeting, Prachanda traveled to Madhesh Province, where he has continued informal consultations with leaders close to him.
Meanwhile, Oli has been holding discussions with his close associates in Kathmandu as the UML explores options for reviving left alliance cooperation at the provincial level.
UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet is said to be playing a key role in facilitating discussions from Oli’s side, while senior NCP leaders Prakash Jwala and Barshaman Pun are among those involved in consultations from Prachanda’s camp.
The renewed talks come amid shifting political equations in the provinces, with both parties exploring possible alliances as existing coalition arrangements face uncertainty. While discussions have intensified, leaders from both sides say further negotiations are needed before any formal agreement is reached.
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