Kathmandu, July 19 — A long discussion between senior Nepali Congress figure Shekhar Koirala and CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday, along with his meeting with former President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Friday, has raised worries within political circles.
Koirala's consecutive meetings with the two influential leaders occur amid growing public dissatisfaction with the government.
Some individuals view the action as Koirala's effort to establish a different alliance opposing the current coalition headed by KP Sharma Oli. Nevertheless, the leader of the Congress faction denied these claims.
"MY MEETINGS WITH BOTH DAHAL AND BHANDARI ARE NOT INTENDED TO FORM A NEW POLITICAL ALLIANCE, BUT SOMEONE SHOULD CERTAINLY SHOW DEUBA AND OLI THAT THINGS ARE NOT MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION," KOIRALA TOLD THE POST.
A government coalition, established a year back following a seven-point pact between Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML head Oli, is encountering increasing public dissatisfaction.
Koirala stated that he aims to raise the political leadership's awareness regarding the necessity of immediate and significant action.
Koirala told the Post that his meetings with leaders yesterday, today, and likely in the future are focused on combating corruption and promoting effective governance.
However, during the meeting with Dahal, the potential for establishing a new government was also addressed. According to reports, Dahal suggested that Koirala should take on the role of the next prime minister and pledged his complete support. Koirala is said to have replied, "It's not that simple."
According to the Nepali Congress constitution, only the party's parliamentary leader is eligible to be its prime ministerial candidate, but Koirala does not have sufficient support to replace Deuba as the leader of the parliamentary party.
Deuba has the backing of most Congress lawmakers. Hence, it is challenging for Koirala to defeat Deuba. On the other hand, Deuba is expected to take office as prime minister after one year.
Oli and Deuba have decided to divide the prime ministerial term. Prime Minister Oli claims he will transfer power to Deuba after one year.
Nevertheless, if Koirala aims to replace Deuba, he must form a partnership with Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa.
Koirala has increased his discussions with leaders from different parties at a moment when the government is experiencing a decline in support from minor parties that previously supported the Congress-UML alliance.
The Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal (JSP-Nepal) has already stopped backing the government, while another ruling ally, the Nagarik Unmukti Party, could also withdraw its support at any moment.
Various opposition parties, including the Maoist Centre, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, are looking for a favorable moment to establish a different coalition in place of the Oli-Deuba alliance.
However, because Oli and Deuba have strong control over their respective parties, finding an alternative to the current government appears challenging, stated a leader from the Congress party.
"If Koirala can establish such an atmosphere within and outside the party, the number of members won't be significant. However, the crucial issue remains how other parties will provide support and how they can collectively dismantle the alliance between Oli and Deuba," the Congress leader adds.
Nevertheless, Koirala's actions have raised doubts within both the Congress and UML parties, according to a source close to him. His meeting with Bhandari is of special worry for both political groups.
Bhandari, now back in her previous party UML, is at the heart of discussions both inside and outside the party. However, Koirala recommended that she avoid entering party politics, as her position does not allow for it. Congress President Deuba and other leaders have also voiced worries and doubts about the former head of state's re-entry into political party activities.
Koirala is said to have advised Dahal to adopt a firm stance against increasing instances of corruption and poor governance in Parliament as well as in public areas.
Koirala mentioned that during discussions with both leaders, the dialogue centered on current political matters and the importance of effective governance.
Alongside Dahal and Bhandari, Koirala aimed to promote unity for effective governance and an anti-corruption initiative. Bhandari, who wishes to assume the position of UML leader, is said to have requested Koirala's ethical backing for her campaign.
Showing worry about increasing public dissatisfaction, Koirala called on former President Bhandari to voice her opinion on the matter too. "I have always advocated for proper governance. The people are very disappointed," a member of Koirala's office quoted him as stating. "You should also speak out."
Bhandari is reported to have fully backed the initiative aimed at promoting effective governance in the nation.
"There is no indication of effective leadership in the present situation. You have started this campaign, and I will always back it," the member quoted Bhandari as stating.
Koirala stated that it would have been preferable if someone who had served as president stayed away from active political involvement, although he would back Bhandari's personal choice.
I continue to believe that an individual who has been the head of state should not re-enter politics," Koirala stated. "However, if you have already decided, there's no use in opposing it now.
On Thursday, during his meeting with Dahal, Koirala expressed frustration with the government's actions. Both leaders agreed that the administration had not adequately responded to public opinion.
Dahal and Koirala voiced worry that, during the past year, the government had only facilitated the growth of corruption and unethical behavior. They decided to speak out against the misconduct occurring under the current leadership.
"The government has not been able to function effectively. Rather than inspiring optimism, it has led to greater disillusionment," stated a close associate of Koirala. There has been a rise in corruption and chaos, and numerous government actions have been viewed as contentious, according to their evaluation.
"Besides the problem of increasing chaos within the nation and the necessity to maintain proper administration, no other topics were addressed. This is not an effort to isolate the government or the party leader," mentioned a person associated with Koirala.
Koirala knows that he requires Deuba's backing to secure the position of party president at the upcoming general convention, so he is thoughtfully considering his choices and possibilities.
As the Congress charter prohibits Deuba from running for the party presidency for a third term, Koirala is now looking to take that role.
He is not keen on offending Deuba but aims to exert pressure on him," stated a leader from the Congress party. "These actions also indicate that Koirala is acting as an opposition figure both towards the government and the party's leadership. This will help increase his support within the party.
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