UCPN (Maoist) has decided that, as of now, the party will continue to support Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli led government. Interlocutors said UCPN (M) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal decided to continue support to Oli after the latter proposed him to lead the government after passing the annual budget and policies.

The Nepali political scenario heated up after UCPN (Maoist), a key ally in the incumbent government, on Wednesday said it was considering leading its own government with the support of Nepali Congress, the largest party in the parliament.

However, Dahal made a U-turn on Thursday refusing NC’s proposal to push for a vote of no confidence against PM Oli.

“Our party has decided to wait for now given that there are some legal complications in registering the no confidence motion against this government. The coalition will remain intact now,” said a Maoist leader.

How things transpired

On Wednesday morning, UCPN (Maoist) surprised its partners in the coalition with formal announcement of its plan to break the alliance. The party was also considering pulling back its members from the government.

Later on the day, PM Oli, who also leads the second largest party in the parliament, made a new offer to Dahal to break the alliance in making. During a meeting with Maoist leaders including Dahal at his residence, Oli said that he was ready to support Maoist-led government if the former rebels support him in presenting the annual budget policies and programmes. 

Maoist sources said that the meeting ended with an understanding to sign a new agreement on rotating the government between the two parties. On Thursday morning, Dahal reportedly informed NC President Deuba about his party’s new decision.