Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has been unable to expand the Cabinet due to the deadlock over power-sharing with the UML. While the NC is said to be committed to form a stable government taking the UML as it coalition partner, the party is also weighing other options in case the second largest party reneges on its earlier commitment, said an NC leader privy to the developments.

With clouds of uncertainty hovering over his government, Koirala on Saturday contacted UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to discuss the scenario. During the telephone conversation, Dahal asked Koirala to support a Maoist candidate for the CA chairperson’s post. Koirala replied that he would float the request at a party meeting, without making any commitment.

Some time later, according to reliable sources, Dahal reached Koirala’s residence and told him that his party was ready to join the NC-led government if the UML withdraws its support. “I know the difficulties you are facing. I am ready to assist the government if the UML creates an obstacle,” a source quoted Dahal as telling Koirala.

The PM said that he needs continued support from the UCPN (M) even if the NC and the UML remain the main coalition partners to draft a constitution within a year.

During the meeting, Dahal, however, suggested the NC president reconcile with the UML to form a stable government and speed up the constitution drafting process.

“It is clear that there should not be a change in the government leadership at the moment to ensure the constitution within a year,” the source quoted Dahal as telling Koirala. “If the stalemate continues, people will be disillusioned and it will affect constitution-writing.”