Deuba calls differences with UML ‘natural,’ assures stable coalition government

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has termed occasional differences with coalition partner CPN-UML as a “natural” aspect of alliance politics.

He clarified that such disagreements have not affected the functioning of the government.

Speaking to journalists at Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan on Friday, Deuba said that policy-based differences are to be expected when ideologically distinct parties like the Nepali Congress and UML come together to form a government.

“Congress and UML are fundamentally different parties, so some misunderstandings are natural,” he said. “But the government is moving forward in mutual consensus.”

Deuba’s remarks come amid growing public discourse over disagreements among ruling coalition partners on several policy matters. He stressed that differing views among coalition members should not be seen as unusual.

Citing recent developments, Deuba said the government’s decision to remove the controversial ‘Take and Pay’ provision from the budget was made following a request from the Nepali Congress, illustrating effective coordination within the alliance.

He added that such moves reflect a culture of consultation and cooperation within the coalition.