As the governing CPN-UML and its key coalition partner CPN (Maoist Centre) continue to spar over a “gentleman’s agreement” on changing the government, the Nepali Congress has once again taken the centre stage, with both in bid to reach out to the main opposition to lead a national unity government.

Both the UML and Maoist Centre have been stressing on the need of a national consensus government, with each staking claim to government leadership.

While Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli intends to further consolidate power, turning the incumbent government into a national unity one, Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has sought to present himself as a “better candidate” for the job.

Dahal has been staking claims to the prime ministerial post on the premise that a “gentleman’s agreement” was reached between him and Oli on May 5 when they signed a nine-point deal to “keep the coalition intact”. As per the “gentleman’s agreement”, Oli was supposed to hand over government leadership to Dahal after the government tabled budget for fiscal year 2016-17.

But UML and Maoist Centre are expressing conflicting views now, with the former denying that such an agreement was ever signed and the latter insisting that PM Oli honour the deal.

Maoist leaders say the UML should support Dahal as per the “gentlemen’s agreement” if consensus can be forged in his support.

“The government would have fallen long ago had we intended to lead a majority government. We want to lead a national consensus government to address the challenges facing the country,” said Barshaman Pun.

Maoist leaders say Dahal is the best candidate to lead a consensus government, as he “is the only leader who is capable of retaining trust of the two major parties and Madhesis.” On Tuesday, Dahal had said he was ready to lead the next government if consensus was forged. “To expedite the reconstruction work, implement the constitution and resolve the Tarai crisis, we need a consensus government,” he had told reporters at a function in the Capital.

When the issue of government change first appeared in the first week of May, the NC was the key player, as it was supposed to back Dahal to make him Oli’s successor. But nonetheless, a remarkable volte-face by Dahal within hours had left the NC red-faced. A month later, it is unclear what the NC’s next move will be. Stung by an earlier betrayal by Dahal, the largest party in Parliament has decided to play by ear.

NC leader Ramesh Lekhak said the NC is waiting for things to get clearer. “The NC had [earlier] agreed to support Maoists at Dahal’s request,” added Lekhak. “Let’s see how things play out. We are in no hurry.”