Kathmandu, May 4
Even after deciding to withdraw support to the KP Oli-led ruling coalition, Prachanda, chair of the coalition partner UCPN-Maoist, is unwilling to head a new government if it turns out to be a majority dispensation.
A Maoist leader said: Now, either a national consensus government or a majority government will take shape. It’s possible that a unity government may take shape under Prachanda. If the CPN-UML does not support such a government, a majority government will take shape. In such a case, the Maoist party will be willing to support Sher Bahadur Deuba as Prime Minister of a majority dispensation.
UCPN-Maoist leaders became ready to seek an alternative to the Oli government after the main opposition Nepali Congress asked the Maoist party to lead the future government.
Apparently, the Maoist party would want not just the Congress, but also the UML to support a unity government. After getting an NC offer to lead the future government, the UCPN-Maoist has already held separate talks with RPP-Nepal and Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal. Prachanda has asked the UML to support him if he gets to form a unity government.
Says a Maoist source: If the UML does not come to an agreement and there’s no consensus on Prachanda’s leadership, we can support Deuba. For supporting Deuba, there has to be a written commitment on issues like the peace process and conflict-era cases.
