The Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik, an ally in the ruling coalition, has denied suggestions that it was planning to withdraw support to the UML-led government.

Senior MJF-L leaders on Sunday said that the party would continue its support to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli until consensus is forged on a national unity government. The CPN (Maoist Centre), a key ally in the left coalition, has also been calling for a national unity government.

Last week, MJF-Loktantrik General Secretary Jitendra Dev had said that the only Madhes-based party in the ruling coalition was thinking of pulling out of the Oli-led government. Talking to the Post, Dev had expressed serious objection at working style and functioning of the government.

But the Deputy Prime Minister Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar-led party has since changed its tack. “Our party has no plans to withdraw support to this government now. MJF-L would rather play a constructive role in forging consensus for a national unity government,” said Minister for Health Ramjanam Chaudhary.

Chaudhary, who is also the MJF-L general secretary, said that his party is open to seeking appropriate alternatives to the current government or turning itself into a national unity one.

The MJF-L has hinted at supporting CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal or Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba if a consensus is forged.

The two leaders have been making a pitch as suitable alternatives for PM Oli to tackle the exiting political crisis.

A meeting of MJF-L central committee members on Sunday decided to press other government partners to seek immediate solutions to the Madhes crisis. Four months ago, party Chairman Gachhadar had submitted a memorandum to PM Oli to implement an accord his party had signed with the UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) before joining the government.

PM Oli and Dahal had made written assurance to meet several of MJF-L demands, including demarcation of federal provinces, addressing grievances of Tharu and Madhesi communities.

Sudden calls to withdraw support to the government and subsequent reversal have once again shed light on internal difference in the

MJF-L over the Oli-led government. Some senior leaders, including Dev, who were against the partnership with the UML, have been exerting pressure on Gachhadar from the very beginning, to withdraw support to the government, while other leaders including Chaudhary have stood in favour of giving continuity to the alliance.