GANDAKI PROVINCE GOVERNMENT FACES POTENTIAL SHIFTS AMIDST NATIONAL POLITICAL REALIGNMENTS

Pokhara. The direct impact of the steps taken in other provinces regarding the change in political equations is certain to reach Gandaki. The series of government changes in Sudurpashchim, Karnali, and other provinces has already begun. Bagmati and Koshi provinces have also made decisions to change their equations.< /p>

However, the power politics of Gandaki Province is different from other provinces. But, the MPs here are also compelled to accept the decisions made by the central leadership. When the center makes a decision, it is natural for the equation to change. In this context, Rato Pati has interviewed Prakash Baral, the chief whip of the Nepali Congress, which is leading the government. Here is the edited part of the conversation:

With the collapse of the Congress-UML government alliance in some provinces, it seems that the ripple effect will reach Gandaki as well. How is the Nepali Congress, leading the Gandaki Province government, viewing this activity?
Actually, going against the seven-point agreement made in the past, a game of obstructing the budget was played in Sudurpashchim Province. Due to that, equations have been shaken in various provincial governments. In some places, ministers are resigning, and in others, they are being dismissed. This kind of instability is truly not pleasant.< /p>

The recent situation, which seems like a new mandate, has raised questions about the justification of the agreement we made in the background and circumstances. The movement on August 23 and 24 and the subsequent political developments on February 21 showed a kind of disappointment and a search for novelty among the general public. In such a situation, the old parties should be even more sensitive and responsible, but now games of leaving and bringing down governments unnaturally are happening.< /p>

Looking at Sudurpashchim as an example, the budget presented by the coalition government was met with unparliamentary activities such as the honorable members of the ruling coalition parties bringing proposals for budget cuts and not cooperating in passing the budget. As a result, fluctuations are now seen in other provinces as well. But, the Nepali Congress is sensitive and responsible in this matter. In the case of Gandaki Province, we are thinking of moving forward by looking at the present situation rather than the past.

In other provinces, the process of changing governments has already begun. Will the Congress in Gandaki Province wait for the center's directive, or does it have the strength to make a different decision based on the needs here and move forward?
It is a reality that the practice of provincial levels making completely independent decisions has not yet developed in our political system. But our emphasis is that the center should also understand the existing situation, needs, and possibilities of Gandaki Province. We are also urging the center to make decisions keeping in mind the specific situation of our province and to allow us to move forward accordingly.< /p>

We are capable of moving forward with the political activities and government operations here according to the wishes and sentiments of the people. We believe that the center will also make decisions understanding the situation here. Therefore, the intense instability seen in other provinces is not yet visible in Gandaki. We have succeeded in conveying the reality here to our leadership in a timely manner.

Does this mean that the relationship between the political parties represented in Gandaki Province and the government is harmonious, and you are in favor of continuing it?
Yes, in Gandaki Province, we presented the budget according to the provisions of the constitution, discussed it, and passed it in a very cordial atmosphere between the ruling and opposition parties. This shows that there is a kind of understanding between the ruling coalition parties and the opposition here. We are not in favor of increasing misunderstandings without reason, but politics does not always run in a straight line as expected. When the equation changes at the center, its ripple effect is bound to be felt in the province. We are also aware of how to proceed if such a situation arises.

If a new situation arises in the province due to the central equation, how will the Nepali Congress present itself in forming a new power equation?
The Nepali Congress has made efforts to generate maximum hope among the general public while leading the Gandaki Province government. We strongly claim that the leadership of Congress is also necessary to complete the long-term plans, policies, and programs that we have initiated. Congress has sufficient basis and options to claim leadership of the government. The Nepali Congress is the largest party in the Gandaki Provincial Assembly. We have many options open, and Congress will formulate the necessary strategy to ensure its leadership continues.

So, is your conclusion that the Nepali Congress should lead the upcoming government as well?
This is also the opinion of the general public. The Nepali Congress is established as the major party in Gandaki Province. We are only a few seats short of a clear majority. Therefore, there is a public desire for a government to be formed under Congress leadership and for it to provide stability. We are positive about moving forward under the leadership of Congress, embracing the constitutional provisions and possibilities for all parties to come together.

Have formal or informal dialogues with other parties begun on this matter, or is it just the Congress's wish?
The Nepali Congress is very conscious that the government does not fall or become unstable due to misunderstandings among the ruling coalition parties in our province. We are closely observing the events in other provinces. The current situation has not been created by Gandaki. However, if the center makes a decision, it is our responsibility to implement it. Formal dialogues for a new coalition have not yet taken place. However, discussions will proceed based on the available options and the number of seats of the parties. At the appropriate time, we will make the necessary decisions keeping the interests of the province at the center.

What suggestion would you give to the center to maintain political stability in Gandaki Province as Congress desires?
Politics should run on accountability, ethics, and values. We are not just talking for our convenience. The center should also respect the harmonious relationship and environment of cooperation that exists among political parties in Gandaki Province. We also have to respect the decisions made by the center.

We are operating the government without having many disagreements with the UML. If any new decision comes from the center, we will present our specific situation to the center and persuade the center to use the most appropriate and suitable option for Gandaki.