Second rung leaders of the UML and the Maoist Center have been mounting pressure on Oli and Dahal to join hands together.
Earlier this week, UML politburo member Mahesh Basent held a meeting with Maoist Center Chairman Dahal and stressed that the UML and Maoist Center should form a government together. During the meeting held on Tuesday night, Maoist Center leader Gurung told Oli that there is no alternative to left alliance and can form a government now also. According to a source, second rung leaders of both the parties are planning to arrange a meeting between Oli and Dahal. “We are creating a conducive environment to arrange a meeting between the chairperson of two parties. Oli and Dahal will meet soon,” a UML leader close to Oli said. The leader was of the opinion that both the leaders have felt that a communist government is indispensable for the long-term development of the country. “Both the chairmen are ready to move ahead by correcting the mistakes made in the past,” the leader said, adding, “Both the leaders have felt that the left alliance and communist government are essential for the long-term development of the country.” A Maoist Center leader said that Gurung went to Balkot to meet Oli after holding a broader discussion with Dahal. The source said that the duo discussed the possibility of forming a government by roping in some fringe parties. The CPN-UML has won 79 seats – 57 FPTP and 32 PR while the Maoist Center has won 32 seats.
