Pun predicts collapse of Congress-UML coalition

Kathmandu, August 10: Deputy Secretary of the CPN Maoist Center, Barshaman Pun alias Ananta, has predicted that the current Congress-UML coalition government will collapse soon. Speaking at a party-affiliated Kathmandu-Roshi Rural Municipality (Kavre) Liaison Committee meeting in the capital on Saturday, Pun expressed his belief that the coalition’s time in power is limited.

He noted that, despite them being in government, the Congress and UML are experiencing internal feud and declining morale. According to Pun, informal discussions among party leaders reveal concerns about the government’s ability to maintain its initial momentum. He indicated that while the coalition government isn’t a primary focus for them, there is no obstacle to its potential collapse if desired.

Pun mentioned that Congress-UML leaders are questioning whether the government will complete its initial ‘honeymoon’ period. He suggested that both parties are accommodating the Maoists in parliamentary dealings due to their critical role in maintaining a majority. However, Pun emphasized that the Maoists are not rushing to push for a change in government, asserting that the current political balance remains unaltered.

Pun also highlighted increasing internal conflicts within the Congress-UML following the formation of the new government. He attributed this discord to dissatisfaction among party members, particularly after the UML did not appoint the parliamentary party leader as the chief minister of Lumbini Province. He criticized the sidelining of leaders who supported Madhav Nepal against KP Oli and the appointment of controversial figures as ministers, which he claims has destabilized the Oli government. According to Pun, Congress ministers are now pushing for an investigation into the Giribandhu Tea Estate case, signaling dissatisfaction with the coalition’s performance.

Pun alleged that Congress-UML were anxious over the role Prachanda government was playing regarding good governance. He pointed out that the case of Bhutanese refugees had led to legal actions against even high-ranking leaders, a situation he claimed was unprecedented in Nepal. He argued that the old parties, previously criticized for corruption and state exploitation, have failed to improve despite changes in the political system.

He warned that public resistance will escalate if there are no investigations into issues such as the Giri Bandhu Tea Estate, fake Bhutanese refugees scam, and embezzlement of government land. Pun asserted that the Maoists would lead these efforts.

Additionally, Pun criticized the government’s handling of electricity tariffs, pointing out that 180,000 households unable to pay the minimum fee will face service cuts after 60 days. He accused the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy of protecting businesses that owe RS 8 billion electricity duty. He also objected to the dismissal of two NEA board directors and the threat of action against executive director Kulman Ghising, instead of addressing tariff payment issues.