Province Government Uncertainty Amidst Political Maneuvering

Surkhet. Although a provincial power-sharing agreement between the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) and the CPN-UML at the center was discussed, no formal decision has been made so far. Despite discussions about the UML and CPN having already divided the provincial power internally, no decision has reached the provincial committees or parliamentary parties of any party yet.

This is creating uncertainty in the province. However, in Karnali, the Nepali Congress and the CPN have claimed that there will be no change in the power-sharing equation against Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel, who is also the leader of the UML parliamentary party.

On Thursday, June 32, the Congress-CPN filed a no-confidence motion against the Chief Minister. The no-confidence motion is scheduled for discussion in the Provincial Assembly on Saturday (today). For this, the provincial meeting has been called for 3 PM.

However, Chief Minister Kandel has not yet made any decision on whether to resign or face a vote of confidence. The UML is waiting, as discussions about a power-sharing agreement with the CPN are ongoing at the central level. 

Nevertheless, the CPN has already decided in a party meeting on Thursday to vote in favor of the no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Kandel. Amidst this, how the political developments in Karnali will unfold has become a matter of interest.

CPN Parliamentary Party Chief Whip Krishna Bahadur GC says that Chief Minister Kandel's government will fall on Saturday.

“Whatever decision our party made yesterday is proceeding in the same way,” he said, “No decision has come from the top yet, there will be discussions. Discussions are also happening with Gagan Thapa, and with KP Oli. Discussions are one thing.” However, he clarified that the central discussions would not affect Karnali Province.

He further added, “Today is the parliament, a new Chief Minister will be formed from that parliamentary session, that has already been decided. Once the agenda is set, there is no option to go beyond that.”

He stated that no decision would come from the top in the CPN.

“Look at all the other provinces, it’s all about the situation and the political balance in all the provinces to form a coalition,” he added.

When the no-confidence motion was filed against Kandel, Congress Parliamentary Party leader Jeevan Bahadur Shahi has been proposed as the Chief Minister. Congress Parliamentary Party Chief Whip Hikmat Bahadur BC also claimed that the CPN remains firm in its stance.

“They are committed to their word, firm, they have said they will not back down from their steps, we are committed,” he said, “They have also made a decision.”

BC also stated that the CPN has said that regardless of what comes from the center, they will exercise autonomy according to the practice of federalism.

He further said, “They have said that constitutionally we are independent, we will do it our way.” Congress is confident that the CPN will not back down from its stance.

Accordingly, BC also stated that meetings are being held between the leaders of both parties.

In Karnali, 20 seats are required to form a government, which would give a clear majority if the Congress-CPN unite.

However, government spokesperson and UML leader Binod Kumar Shah said that they are waiting for the central government's decision.

“We are waiting for the decision from the top, some general discussions are also happening here,” he said.

When asked about the CPN's decision to vote in favor of the motion against the Chief Minister, he replied, “The CPN has made a decision, they have said constitutionally that they will exercise autonomy. But to what extent will they do it? In the past, it has been seen that all parties have followed the policies and directives from the top.”

Shah also expressed confidence that if a coalition is formed between the UML and CPN at the center, the CPN in Karnali will abide by it.

He added, “I do not believe that they will ignore the matter between the CPN-UML and think about a coalition between the CPN-Congress by disregarding the party's directive.”

He also said that even if a decision is made, the CPN will ultimately follow the decision from the top once it comes.

UML Karnali Province President Gulabjung Shah, who is currently in Kathmandu, also said that the final preparations for a coalition between the UML and CPN at the center are underway.

“If a coalition is formed at the center, there is no reason why the CPN in Karnali would not accept it,” Shah said.

However, leaders of the CPN say that the UML's wait will be in vain, as the CPN's provincial committee and parliamentary party have united against Kandel.

CPN Parliamentary Party Leader says – It is not necessary to accept power-sharing only for the provincial government.

Meanwhile, CPN Parliamentary Party Leader Mangal Bahadur Shahi said that since the parliament meeting has been called for Saturday, his party remains firm in its previous decision.

According to him, if the objective is to strengthen the communist movement, then cooperation is necessary. However, if it is only about power-sharing for the provincial government, then Karnali CPN will not accept it, he stated.

“Our party's central leadership will also make a final decision only after considering the needs of the province and the political power balance here,” he said, “Also, we should not just chase after the power-sharing decided by the center. A situation where a decision is made at the center and its impact causes instability in the province weakens federalism.”

He also said that since his party remains firm in its previous decision, it depends on the Chief Minister whether he resigns on Saturday or faces the tag of failure.

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