As differences among Nepal’s political parties have been increasing, the major opposition party, the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) that has been demanding a replacement of the CPN (UML)-led coalition government since May, on Monday made a formal request to change the government.
Leaders of the Maoist party put the idea of changing the present government (which they say is a “puppet” of India) at the meeting of the newly formed high-level political body.
Nepali Congress spokesperson Arjun Narsing KC after the meeting said Nepali Congress would be ready to take the responsibility. This remark has come after Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s reported request to Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala to become a new Prime Minister.
“Congress is ready to take up the challenge to write constitution and complete the peace process, but for that there should be no secret request to Girijababu,” Mr. Arjun Narsing said adding, “Maoists should formally decide and request Nepali Congress.” Although he cited the possibility to form a new government, he said the priority of the nation was to write constitution and not to form and dissolve governments.
Daughter of Mr. Koirala, Sujata Koirala had recently said that the time had come to change the leadership of the government. The present coalition was formed following the resignation of the Maoists from the government in May.
As Maoists have threatened to shut down the work of Upper Karnali Hydropower Project being undertaken by Indian company GMR ITD, Nepal’s political parties have agreed to request the Maoists to allow the work there. Ministry of Energy has said it is serious to provide security to the investors.
