KATHMANDU: Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, commonly known as ‘Prachanda,’ is set to seek his third vote of confidence on March 13, marking a significant development amid a recent shift in the country’s political coalition. This will be Dahal’s third confidence vote since assuming office approximately 15 months ago.
Dahal’s efforts to reach a consensus with his allies on a power-sharing arrangement concluded inconclusively on Tuesday, raising questions about the stability of his government following his decision to terminate the alliance with the Nepali Congress party.
In a dramatic move, the former guerrilla leader formed a new alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal – the second-largest party – led by former premier KP Sharma Oli on Monday. This realignment prompted the appointment of three ministers from the new coalition.
However, despite the formation of the new alliance government, the expansion of the cabinet has faced delays as discussions on power-sharing among alliance members remain unresolved. Prime Minister Prachanda, retaining key ministerial portfolios such as Home, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Finance, has appointed three ministers without portfolio from the CPN-UML and other parties.
The completion of the cabinet expansion is anticipated by Wednesday, as ongoing discussions among alliance members continue to determine ministerial roles, according to Bishnu Rijal, a central member of CPN-UML.
