Lumbini Province Government Future Uncertain as Congress-UML Alliance Faces National Shift

Butwal. The future of the Lumbini Province government has also become uncertain as the Nepali Congress center has decided to break the alliance with UML in the province.

Chief Minister Chetanarayan Acharya, who is leading the Congress-UML alliance, says efforts are still being made to continue the cooperation with the Congress. Edited excerpts of the conversation with Rato Pati about the efforts to save the alliance with Congress, possible cooperation with NCP, and the future of the provincial government:

With the Nepali Congress center deciding to break the alliance with UML, the Lumbini Province government also appears to be in crisis. What is your opinion?

I am leading the Lumbini Province government in cooperation with parties including Congress and UML. A new political situation has arisen in the province after the center's decision. However, the Congress has not yet withdrawn its support from the government or its ministers have not resigned. We are urging the Congress to continue the cooperation as much as possible. Discussions are still ongoing. The situation will become clearer based on how political activities progress in the coming days.

Are efforts being made to save the alliance with Congress?
So far, there has been no formal decision from the Congress in Lumbini. A decision may come according to the center's directive. We are making efforts to save the alliance by continuously discussing with Congress leaders at the provincial level. Since the final decision will be made by the central leadership, efforts are also being made in that direction.

Is there a possibility of UML forming a new equation with NCP?

Leaders are discussing with various parties from their level. There is contact with Congress leaders, and informal dialogue is also ongoing with NCP leaders. However, no concrete conclusion has been reached yet. Our first priority is to continue the cooperation with Congress. But depending on the political situation, discussions and options with NCP may also proceed. All doors of possibility are open.

एमालेसँग सहकार्य अन्त्य गर्ने कांग्रेसको निर्णयपछि लुम्बिनीमा राजनीतिक हलचल

Will the future of the province now depend on the center's decision?

Although discussions are held at the provincial level, the consent of the central leadership is necessary for its implementation. Therefore, the final understanding between Congress, UML, and other parties is more likely to be decided by the center. We are also coordinating accordingly.

Have there been any problems in running the government with Congress so far?

We were running the government well. A new situation has arisen now due to the political decision of the center. We will try to save the alliance if possible. If that is not possible, then discussions on other options will proceed. Everything will depend on the upcoming political decision.