Political instability surrounds new govt as rumors of collapse persist

KATHMANDU: At midnight of June 30, the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML reached a seven-point agreement, forming a new government based on power-sharing.

Consequently, on July 15, UML Chair KP Sharma Oli assumed the role of Prime Minister for the fourth time.

However, within 24 hours of the government’s formation, rumors of its fragility began to circulate, sparking continuous discussions about potential changes in government.

Since the Congress-UML coalition sidelined the CPN-Maoist Centre, Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and other leaders have expressed doubts over the coalition’s longevity. Analysts, too, quickly speculated that the clock was ticking on the Congress-UML alliance.

On August 7th, opposition leader Prachanda predicted in Biratnagar that the Oli government would not last long and even claimed it would collapse after Dashain.

In response, Prime Minister Oli repeatedly reassured the public about the government’s stability, stating that the agreement between Congress and UML leaders was solid. He emphasized this point during various events, including those attended by bureaucrats and security officials.

On Aug 26, protests erupted at the Gaura festival in Kathmandu, leading to heightened speculation about the government’s collapse.

Similar rumors spread around Dashain and Tihar, fueled by discussions linking the government’s fate to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These speculations claimed there was a “99% guarantee” the government would fall.

Despite such challenges, Prime Minister Oli maintained his stance on the government’s stability. When the coalition was formed on July 1st, it was deemed an “ultimate solution” after extensive discussions between Congress and UML. Even five months into the coalition, Oli continued to urge Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to uphold the agreed power-sharing timeline.

While minor disagreements arose, leaders from both Congress and UML insisted the coalition remained strong. The government’s fate has become a focal point in Nepali politics, reflecting the nation’s ongoing political instability.

In this five-month period, the simultaneous efforts to maintain power and the recurring instability have raised questions about both the government’s durability and the coalition partners’ maturity — questions that time will ultimately answer.

Govt Formed for Stability and Good Governance: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that the current government was formed to ensure political stability, good governance, and development.

Regarding the previous administration, Oli remarked, “In a time of political uncertainty and growing instability, collaboration between Congress and UML was essential. We are committed to leading the country toward development and stability.”

Responding to critics predicting the government’s collapse, Oli asserted, “Speculations about the government falling are meaningless. The two largest parties have united for national prosperity and social reform.”

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak dismissed the rumors of a government change, stating that the government would not fall under any circumstances.

In a press conference in Rupandehi, he rejected comments made by a former Indian RAW agent, emphasizing that foreign opinions hold no relevance in Nepal’s internal affairs.

As one of the architects of the Congress-UML alliance, Lekhak affirmed the government’s strength and discredited rumors of instability, saying, “They claimed the government would fall in August, then during Dashain and Tihar. All those claims were proven false. Now, they are spreading new rumors, but this government is not going anywhere.”

Similarly, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel declared that the government could not be toppled by anyone’s wish. He highlighted that the coalition, backed by the two largest parties, aimed for a “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” agenda.

Pokharel concluded, “Attempts to create dissatisfaction with politics and established parties are underway to promote new political forces. However, this government has the support of the parliamentary majority, so no one can bring it down at will.”