Prime Minister Dahal seeks vote of confidence amid coalition shifts

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' is seeking a vote of confidence in today's session of the House of Representatives (HoR).

The federal parliamentary secretariat has completed necessary arrangements for the event, scheduled for 11 am.

This vote of confidence comes in light of recent developments, as the Nepali Congress withdrew its support for the Prime Minister following changes in the ruling coalition on March 4.

Dahal, also the chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), assumed office on December 25, 2022, and initially received a vote of confidence on January 10, 2023, with 268 out of 270 lawmakers present in favor.

Subsequently, following shifts in the ruling coalition during the presidential election, Dahal secured 172 votes in a confidence vote held on March 20, 2023. However, further changes in alliances led to Nepali Congress transitioning into opposition and withdrawing its support for the Prime Minister.

Now, with a new alliance formed, including CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party, Janata Samajwadi Party, and CPN (Unified Socialist), Prime Minister Dahal enjoys support from a significant majority in the HoR.

The alliance partners have issued a whip to ensure support for the Prime Minister, who requires 138 votes for confidence.

With UML holding 78 seats, Maoist Centre 32, Rastriya Swatantra Party 21, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal 12, Unified Socialist 10, and additional support from Nagarik Unmukti Party, chaired by parliamentary leader Ranjita Shrestha, Dahal's confidence vote is expected to pass comfortably.