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CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that leadership cannot be simply handed as a gift.

During a press meet organized by the Press Center Banke at Nepalgunj today, he said the party believes in the production of leaders through a system and practices it accordingly.

He said he is not an irreplaceable figure to hold the chair post within the party and is focused on preparing his successor through a system.

He also took the opportunity to assure that the party will remain united, dismissing rumors of a possible split.

The erstwhile Prime Minister also accused the two largest parties: the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML of forcefully toppling the government led by him, though he was performing 'well'.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal has long been known for his contradictory statements and actions, a trait that dates back to the insurgency period. Despite entering peaceful politics in 2006, Dahal has struggled to shed this inconsistent personality, often saying one thing publicly while pursuing a different agenda behind the scenes. This pattern has continued even after his recent departure from power, as he has oscillated between claiming to avoid power and making moves to re-enter government.

Dahal’s recent actions reflect his frustration with the collapse of his government and his determination to regain power. After losing the premiership, Dahal initially declared that he would not seek to become prime minister again during the current parliamentary term, which lasts until 2027. However, it is evident that his primary focus has been to dismantle the coalition between the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress (NC) and position himself for a return to leadership. 

His efforts to create friction within the ruling coalition are apparent in his recent remarks, where he suggested that the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba might have unsettled UML Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Dahal also hinted that the current coalition, formed between two ideologically different parties, would not last long.

During a special session in Parliament on Tuesday, Dahal accused the government of arrogance and heading in the wrong direction. He criticized the government for serving vested interest groups and mafias instead of the people. 

“I was in favor of giving the government all the benefits of doubt during the honeymoon period. I wanted the first debate on the government to take place in the people's court,” he said. “However, after observing the government’s intentions and direction for over 40 days, I have come to the conclusion that the government is heading towards arrogance and in the wrong direction. It is moving towards the madness of numbers and the misuse of power. It is serving vested interest groups, and even more so, the mafias, rather than the people.”

Dahal also expressed regret for breaking the alliance with the NC last March and stated that his party would not remain a passive witness to the government’s misdeeds. Dahal warned that his party would expose and resist the government’s actions in Parliament, reaffirming their commitment to standing against what they perceive as the government’s misuse of power.  

“Many might wonder how such a small opposition can warn and control a two-thirds majority government. Numerically, they may have two-thirds, but the foundation of the government is based on fear, not trust. The way this government was formed, it was exposed to the people right from the beginning and continues to be exposed,” Dahal said. “The people know whose government this is and why it was formed. The government itself is providing the evidence. So, I urge both well-wishers and opponents not to worry about our numbers. To face the people and the opposition, this government needs honesty, which it lacks.”

The Maois chair also accused the current government of trying to suppress the fake Bhutanese refugee scandal and protect other criminals and tarnishing Nepal’s legal, moral, political, and social reputation internationally. 

“By transferring and investigating the capable and courageous police officers who were investigating such a shameful and disgraceful event, what message are you sending to the rest of the world? With the international community watching so closely, where will this shamelessness lead the country’s reputation?” he said.

Dahal also challenged the leaders of both UML and NC, stating that they should not come to him trying to placate him should this alliance face any challenge. 

Despite his public statements of reluctance to re-enter government, Dahal’s actions suggest otherwise. He has already begun fostering alliances with fringe communist parties, positioning himself for future political maneuvering. 

Within the Maoist Center, there is growing skepticism about Dahal’s commitment to staying out of power. Party members have expressed concerns that the party has lost touch with the people due to its continued focus on securing government positions for a select few leaders. During internal discussions, leaders like Deepak Koirala and Suman Devkota emphasized the need for the party to reconnect with the people and move away from its government-centric approach.

UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel noted recently that Dahal still harbors hopes of rejoining the government within the next six months. Pokharel suggested that Dahal’s fixation on power could hinder efforts to address pressing national issues, including constitutional amendments. 

Despite the challenges, the NC-UML coalition remains stable, with NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba committed to continuing the alliance. However, the government’s failure to deliver on its promises could lead to dissatisfaction within the NC, though this is unlikely to threaten the coalition as long as Deuba supports it.

In the meantime, Dahal’s rhetoric in Parliament and his behind-the-scenes maneuvers reflect a leader torn between his party’s principles and his desire for power. While he warns the government of impending resistance, his actions indicate a readiness to seize any opportunity to regain political influence, even if it means contradicting his public statements. 

British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn called on CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday.

In the meeting held at Dahal's residence in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, the Maoist Center Chair informed Ambassador Fenn that the House of Representatives has passed the bill related to transitional justice that emphasizes on victim-friendly justice. He expressed the confidence that the UK Government will extend necessary support for the survivor-friendly justice and respect.

Stating that he had taken the initiative to push forward the TJ bill when he had been heading the government, former Prime Minister Dahal believed it will contribute to world peace as well when the bill is enacted into law, Chair Dahal's Secretariat said.

The Maoist Center Chair also stated that a special initiative was made to strengthen international relations during his premiership, adding Nepal had played a leading role in climate justice, among other sectors.

Chair Dahal on the occasion also expressed his conviction that the British government will address the issues being raised by the Ex-British Gurkha soldiers.

Similarly, Ambassador Fenn expressed his happiness over taking the peace process and bill related to transitional justice to logical conclusion by Nepal, expressing commitment that there would be full support of the UK government for its conclusion.

According to Dahal’s Secretariat, the Ambassador shared that the UK government was always ready to provide necessary support for Nepal.  Stating that British nationals are found interested in Nepali products, he said there could be partnership between the two countries in mutual cooperation and trade.

Expressing happiness over amendment to laws to create investment friendly environment and concluding the investment summit during the term of the then Prime Minister Dahal, Ambassador Fenn expressed the view that there would be his contribution in bringing in foreign investment in Nepal.

Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk, had a farewell meeting with CPN (Maoist Center) Chair and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday.

In the meeting at Dahal's residence in Khumaltar today, Ambassador Volk congratulated Nepal on the completion of the remaining works of the peace process as well as transitional justice, according to Dahal's private secretariat.

Ambassador Volk said that the dignity of Nepal in the international arena has increased due to this initiative.

Former Prime Minister Dahal praised Ambassador Volk's role in strengthening Nepal-Australia relations and wished her success in her further diplomatic career.

In 2009, President Ram Baran Yadav decisively countered Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's ill-advised attempt to dismiss Army Chief Rookmangud Katawal. The reinstatement of the Army Chief led to Dahal’s resignation, which he framed as a defiant stand against external interference, particularly from India. Dahal famously declared that he would engage only with the “masters” (India) and not with the “servants” (Nepali parties).

Fast forward fifteen years, and Dahal, during a party meeting, shifted his blame to the United States, alleging that external powers, including the US, played a role in his recent ouster from the government, along with that of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Since his entry into peaceful politics in 2006, Dahal has frequently made controversial and often unsubstantiated statements, consistently keeping himself at the forefront of national discourse. His rhetoric has often relied on anti-India nationalism as a tool to strengthen his political standing. Today, he appears to be using the same tactic, insinuating that foreign powers orchestrated his dismissal because he resisted their agendas.

Dahal’s self-serving narrative has inflicted more damage on his party and his own reputation than on any external entity. Within the Maoist ranks, there is growing concern that their decade-long armed struggle, which paved the way for republicanism and federalism in Nepal, will be in vain if the party continues on its current path. Yet, this existential threat seems lost on Dahal.

When in opposition, Dahal has a history of making headlines with provocative and unexpected remarks. Despite being out of power for just a month, he has already made a series of statements that have drawn public attention. Among these is his claim that the US was involved in a regime change in Kathmandu. Following the formation of a new government under CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Dahal accused forces opposed to good governance of engineering the split within his party.

Recently, Dahal made a surprising announcement that he would not seek the prime ministership until after the 2027 elections, catching even his own party members off guard. He stated, “I will not become prime minister during this tenure of Parliament. I may consider it only if our party emerges as the largest in the 2027 elections.”

During a recent meeting in Koshi province, Dahal admitted to several mistakes, including his failure to prevent the party split, mishandling of the Maoist combatants during peace talks, mismanagement of party cadres, and his decision not to support Girija Prasad Koirala for the presidency. He also indicated a shift in strategy, asserting that his party would contest the next election independently, marking a departure from his previous alliances with UML in 2017 and Nepali Congress in 2022, despite these coalitions failing to halt the party’s decline.

Dahal also hinted at rekindling alliances with fringe communist and non-communist forces, including discussions with former Maoist splinter groups and CPN (Unified Socialist) led by Madhav Kumar Nepal. This stands in stark contrast to his past criticism of these fringe groups while he was in power. Notably, he has revived the agenda of a directly elected chief executive, an idea the Maoists abandoned during the 2015 constitution drafting process, citing that the current parliamentary system has tainted the Maoist party.

Dahal deliberately ‘sowed division’: Sharma 

Within CPN (Maoist Center), Dahal’s leadership is under severe scrutiny. The recent proposal by Maoist Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma has sent shockwaves through the party, exposing deep concerns about the party’s direction and leadership. Sharma’s allegations that rumors of party splits were deliberately spread by the leadership have instilled widespread fear among party members and the public.

“The rumors started from Khumaltar (Dahal’s residence), intensified in Baluwatar (Prime Minister’s residence), and escalated further in Pokhara where the party leadership asked members to choose sides,” Sharma’s proposal states. “This sequence of events has created a widespread fear of party division among cadres and the general public.”

Sharma’s proposal criticizes Dahal for sowing division within the party, ignoring crucial discussions during key conventions, and for adopting a royal-like lifestyle that has alienated the party's core supporters.

“Baluwatar has directly named Janardan Sharma as the instigator of the split. This has led to daily phone calls from hundreds of worried party workers and citizens and has become a topic of concern for other political parties, security agencies, and even the bureaucracy,” the proposal claims.

Sharma has questioned why the 8th General Convention was undermined by the announcement of a special convention. He also criticized the leadership for disregarding discussions and opinions expressed during the Statute Convention, questioning why some members were not allowed to speak. He also inquired why propaganda campaigns were orchestrated against him and Barsha Man Pun while the party was in government.

Sharma further questioned why efforts were being made to divide rather than unite leaders at various levels within the party and why parallel committees were being operated by the leadership itself. He also questioned the rationale behind the frequent changes in government coalitions.

Sharma also criticized the party’s failure to implement key policies when it held government power, such as transferring police authority to provinces and supporting local governments. Sharma’s criticism points to a party that is shrinking, losing the trust of the constituencies that once supported it, and failing to fulfill its promises.

He attributed the party’s declining support base to the leadership’s failure to deliver on promises made during their time in government. The proposal highlights that the public disapproves of the leadership’s lifestyle, likened to that of royalty, and the disconnect between the party and its core supporters. Sharma questioned whether the party can rebuild public trust by revisiting and delivering on the issues and slogans it once championed for the people.

Sharma also raised concerns about the leadership’s stance and decisions on several policy matters. He accused the leadership of resisting calls to add ‘Kirant’ to the name of Koshi province. Sharma questioned why proposals to transfer police authority to provinces and shift small and medium-sized projects and budgets to local and provincial governments were not implemented when the party held key government positions. 

He also revealed that he was removed from his work area as a punitive measure, stating, “Despite my four-decade-long loyalty and cooperation with the leadership, my actions are being met with suspicion. The chairperson believes in creating larger conflicts to resolve smaller ones, which is causing significant harm to the party.”

Sharma has proposed dissolving the central committee and forming an interim committee under Chairperson Dahal, with the mandate to hold a convention and elect new leadership through direct elections by a specified date.

Dahal’s recent statements include

• An assertion that an “invisible force” united the NC and UML.
• A claim that a significant nationalist faction exists within UML.
• The suggestion that investigating large corruption cases led to his government’s dissolution.
• A declaration that the Maoists will contest the 2027 election independently.
• An admission of committing “five major blunders.”
• Recognition of the new government’s consensus on the TRC as an achievement.
• His refusal to seek the prime ministership until after the 2027 elections.
• Allegations that extra-regional powers were responsible for his and Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
• A call to consolidate all fringe communist parties.
• A critique that the existing parliamentary system has corrupted the Maoist party.
• A push for a directly elected President or Prime Minister for greater stability.

Soon after stepping down from power, CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal has initiated efforts to engage with fringe communist parties, particularly former Maoist leaders, to strengthen his position in national politics.

It has been observed that Dahal tends to reach out to his former Maoist colleagues, who have formed splinter groups, especially after the major split in the Maoist party in 2012 when senior leader Mohan Baidya established a separate party due to serious ideological differences with Dahal. A few months ago, while still in power, Dahal formed the Samajbadi Manch (Socialist Front), a loose coalition of fringe parties within the government. However, this front remained inactive as Dahal did not perceive any immediate threat to his government after aligning with the CPN-UML four months ago. 

On Tuesday, Dahal convened a meeting that included CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist), Nepal Communist Party, and Samajbadi Forum. Of these, only the Maoist party led by Dahal and the CPN (Unified Socialist) led by Madhav Kumar Nepal have a presence in the national parliament. The Nepal-led party had supported Dahal during his vote of confidence in Parliament on Friday. The meeting of the Socialist Front has labeled the NC-UML coalition as opaque and unnatural. The four parties view the NC and UML’s plans to amend the constitution with suspicion, fearing that these two parties might regress from the progressive provisions of the 2015 constitution. Consequently, the four parties have formed a task force to thoroughly study the policies and activities of the newly-formed coalition.

For the first time in 10 years, the Maoist party finds itself in the opposition bench, a position it last occupied in 2014 when the NC and UML formed an alliance to deliver the constitution. Since then, the Maoist party managed to remain in power despite multiple major and minor splits. After the promulgation of the new constitution in 2015, Dahal’s long-time comrade Baburam Bhattarai left the party to form a separate faction. Bhattarai has been a vocal critic of Dahal, unlike other Maoist splinter groups, which still regard Dahal as their leader.

Despite maintaining moderate strength through electoral alliances with the NC and UML, the Maoist party’s influence is waning. Party leaders fear that contesting elections without alliances could further weaken their position in the national parliament.

Numerous Maoist party leaders and cadres, who were excluded from benefits during Dahal’s tenure, believe it is crucial for Dahal to reflect on his past decade in power and work toward strengthening the party organization. The Maoist party is steadily losing public support and organizational strength. Officially, Dahal will not become the main opposition leader as he lacks the requisite 65 seats. However, as the third-largest party in Parliament, the Maoists remain a significant opposition force, supported by the fourth-largest party, Rastriya Swatantra Party, which holds 21 seats in Parliament, alongside other fringe parties.

Dahal, according to close associates, will strive to consolidate his power by uniting various Maoist factions, although a formal unification is unlikely. The potential unification could be influenced by shared concerns over war-era human rights violations if the NC and UML join forces. Whether the new government will prioritize transitional justice issues remains uncertain, but these issues could serve to unite the Maoist factions. 

Additionally, Dahal may reach out to political outfits advocating identity politics. As the NC and UML aim to amend the constitution to alter the current electoral system, Dahal and other identity-based groups are likely to vehemently oppose any such change. Consequently, Dahal is expected to lead a front that staunchly resists any attempt to amend the constitution.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed the three state security agencies to intensify search operations for individuals who went missing after the two passenger buses plunged into Trishuli river at Simaltal, Chitwan.

The Prime Minister summoned the heads of the security bodies at his private residence in Khumaltar on Sunday to receive updates on the accident.

He urged them to take all necessary measures to search for the missing individuals.

Two passenger buses: one heading to Gaur from Kathmandu (03-001 Kha 2495) and another going to Kathmandu from Birgunj (03-006 Kha. 1516) were swept away by landslide into the Trishuli river on Friday morning at Simaltal in Bharatpur Metropolis-29.

The PM utilized the meeting to express gratitude to the security personnel involved in rescue and relief operations amidst monsoon-triggered incidents nationwide including in Simaltal, risking their lives.

"The bureaucracy and security agencies, as permanent institutions, should commit themselves unreservedly to serving the people, no matter how the political situation is," he stated.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party has decided not to give a vote of confidence to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The Parliamentary Party meeting of the Rastriya Prajantra Party held in Singha Durbar on Thursday decided to stand against the vote of confidence, RPP Chief Whip Gyanendra Shahi informed.

The party, however, has not yet decided whether to participate in the new alliance of the Nepali Congress-CPN-UML or not, he further said.

The decision on the same will be made after the formation of a new government, leader Shahi informed.

The CPN-UML has issued a whip to all its members in the House of Representatives to mandatorily attend a Parliament meeting on Friday.

As Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to seek a  vote of confidence on Friday, the party has directed all its lawmakers to mandatorily attend the meeting and vote against him, Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak informed.

The CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government fell into minority after the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress reached an agreement to form a national consensus government.

The UML has already issued a whip to all its members of the House of Representatives to attend a Parliament meeting scheduled for Friday and vote against Prime Minister Dahal.

Preparations are underway to form a new government under the headship of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli by removing Dahal from the government.

In the 275-member House of Representatives, 138 seats are required for a majority.

The first and second largest parties of the Parliament Nepali Congress has 88 seats and UML has 79 seats.

The new alliance of the UML-NC has the support of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janata Samajbadi Party, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, Nagarik Unmukti Party and Democratic Socialist Party.

The CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist) and Rastraiya Swatantra Party are in favor of the Dahal-led government.

Embattled Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is more than certain to lose the confidence vote on July 12. However, as he is determined not to step down easily, one thing is clear: There won’t be a smooth, amicable transition of power.

From the parliament’s lectern, Dahal is expected to criticize CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba for their surprise alliance, which reduced his government to a minority. The Maoist prime minister may accuse them of political backstabbing, question their political morality, and warn against their plan to amend the constitution. Yet, does Dahal have the moral high ground to criticize NC and UML?

Indeed, it would have been better if NC and UML had made the secret agreement's text public, but they did not. But a careful review of Dahal’s 10-year journey since the 2015 constitution shows he has no grounds to complain about betrayal by NC and UML.

Let’s revisit some instances where Dahal used NC and UML after one another to his advantage. After the promulgation of the constitution in 2015, Oli became the new prime minister with support from Dahal, whose party was in third place. But by July 2016, Dahal withdrew support from Oli and aligned with the NC to form a new government and become prime minister for the second time. Despite being in coalition with NC, Dahal later secretly signed a deal with UML for an electoral alliance, betraying NC.

In 2018, Dahal merged his party with CPN-UML to form the Nepal Communist Party, aiming to lead the powerful communist party. When Oli denied him the full-fledged party presidency, Dahal campaigned to remove Oli from power. This intra-party feud led to the dissolution of Parliament, for which all senior NCP leaders share responsibility. An agreement between Deuba and Dahal to lead the government in rotation resulted in more power struggles. 

After the 2022 national elections, where the Maoists secured only 32 of 275 seats, it was natural for NC to claim government leadership as the largest party. But Dahal, after tough bargaining, aligned with UML to become prime minister, only to betray UML in the presidential elections by supporting NC candidate Ram Chandra Paudel.

There may have been hidden factors forcing Dahal to support Paudel, but it was still a betrayal to UML. In March of this year, Dahal again ditched NC without warning and allied with UML. Just a few weeks ago, Dahal publicly suggested the government could last the full five-year tenure if they navigated between the first and second largest parties. His penchant for switching sides to suit his convenience is not hidden, as he has often demonstrated over the years. Several of Dahal’s former Maoist comrades, including former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai, have accused him of being a power-hungry individual with little to no regard for party ideology.      

Certainly there is no shortage of moral decay and corruption within NC and UML, but should anyone point the finger at or cry foul over their alliance, Dahal should be the last person. 

Dahal simply lacks the moral ground to accuse NC and UML of political immorality. Instead, he should be grateful for their support, which allowed him to lead the government despite waning support for the Maoists. In a coalition, even a small party can lead, but based on the people's mandate, the Maoists should have been in opposition, rebuilding their position. Doors may not be completely closed for him; he could become prime minister again if a rift emerges between NC and UML.

The best option for Dahal would have been to resign once UML withdrew its support. It is perceived that he is trying to influence President Paudel to initiate the government formation process through Article 76(3) of the constitution, making Deuba the prime minister. However, it is unlikely as the process should start from the initial articles of the constitution. Dahal has not publicly stated this, but his close associates suggest the President should appoint a new prime minister per Article 76(3). President Paudel has indicated to Oli and Deuba that he would begin the process from Article 76(2).

While an NC-UML government may not ensure stability, Dahal should wait. After a long gap, the first and second largest parties have pledged to provide political stability and address economic woes. The Maoists now have the chance to play the opposition role, and Dahal should seize this opportunity to rebuild his party. There is no reason for Dahal to be shocked by the NC-UML agreement.

Two-thirds of the House of Representatives members now support the agreement between the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML to form a national unity government, though the specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s major coalition partners, the CPN-UML and other smaller parties, have withdrawn their support, leaving his government in the minority.

This situation puts pressure on Dahal to resign, which is being pushed by his own party and other political factions. However, Dahal has decided to seek a vote of confidence on July 12. According to cross-party leaders, Dahal is offering the premiership to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba to disrupt the NC-UML agreement. He has indicated that the Maoists are willing to support Deuba for a full term until the next elections in 2027. This offer was made the day after Deuba and UML leader Oli signed their agreement, but Deuba dismissed it.

Despite Deuba’s rejection, Dahal continues to reach out to NC leaders. Two days ago, he invited senior NC leader Shekhar Koirala to his residence for discussions. Koirala attended the meeting with the consent of Deuba. Sources say Koirala told Dahal that reversing the current situation is almost impossible. Even senior leaders within Dahal’s own CPN (Maoist Center) are advising him to resign, but Dahal insists there is still room for political maneuvering. After the NC-UML agreement, the Rastriya Swatantra Party decided to leave the government, but Dahal asked them to stay until the confidence vote.

There is some dissatisfaction within NC and UML ranks regarding the opaque agreement between Oli and Deuba, but no leader has openly criticized it. Both parties have unanimously endorsed the agreement. NC leaders believe Dahal’s efforts to form an alliance with UML are unlikely to succeed, despite his attempts. Some ambiguous provisions in the agreement might be exploited to prevent Oli from becoming prime minister, but it is almost certain that Oli will ascend to the position under Article 76(2) of the Constitution, which mandates a coalition government since no single party has a majority under Article 76(1).

Dahal and his allied constitutional experts argue that if Dahal’s government, formed under Article 76(2), fails to secure a vote of confidence, the President should initiate government formation under Article 76(3). This would mean appointing the parliamentary party leader of the largest party, likely Deuba. Neutral constitutional experts, however, assert that the government formation process should start under Article 76(2) again after July 12. If the government is formed under either Article 76(2) or 76(3), it is likely to face legal challenges, much like the 2021 Supreme Court verdict on Oli's dissolution of the House before its term ended. The verdict emphasized that all provisions of Article 76 should be tested to form a government.

The unexpected agreement between NC and UML has left Dahal, who had maintained power by striking a balance between NC and UML, in shock. He was confident that the rival NC and UML would not join forces. Additionally, Maoist leaders believed external forces would prevent Oli from coming to power. Dahal had been frequently changing coalition partners and was recently preparing to align with NC leaders again in the guise of forming a national unity government.

NC and UML were growing weary of Dahal's tactics, and there had been long-standing support within both parties for a coalition. The deteriorating economic conditions, frequent government changes, growing communal tensions and problematic constitutional provisions compelled the first and second largest parties to unite to address the country's challenges. The rise of new political parties also gave impetus to this unconventional alliance.

In this context, Dahal’s attempts to reverse the situation are unlikely to succeed. NC leaders state that Deuba is not willing to accept Dahal’s offer of the premiership. After nearly a decade, NC and UML are joining forces again, reminiscent of their successful collaboration in 2014 to deliver the Constitution in 2015. Now, they aim to form a strong government to resolve the current problems facing the country.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has instructed concerned bodies to be active in rescuing citizens suffering from natural disasters and distributing relief materials to them.

Issuing a statement today, he expressed grief over the loss of life and property in various parts of the country due to floods and landslides including other natural disasters.

Prime Minister Dahal has said that necessary preparations are being made to minimize the damage and risk caused by floods and landslides.

The PM has urged all civil society and political parties to join hands in rescuing and providing relief to the affected people.

He has further urged all to be more active and alert to avoid the possible risk from natural disasters.

The CPN-UML has concluded that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal should resign immediately.

A Parliamentary Party meeting held at the New Baneshwor-based Lhotse Hall prior to the Parliament meeting concluded that the Prime Minister should pave the way for forming a national consensus government by putting in his papers immediately.

The UML said that the Prime Minister, who fell into minority, should step down immediately, claiming that it would be unfair to remain in the post.

The party said that the Prime Minister of the acting government is making long-term decisions which are against the national interest.

After the meeting, UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula said that the Prime Minister should tender his resignation and pave the way for forming a national consensus government.

“It is unfair that the government which fell into minority is not resigning for a long time. We have urged the Prime Minister to resign immediately and help in forming a national government,” he said, adding, “The government is making various decisions. The government has no power to make any decision in this situation. This is against the national interest.”

The UML has already withdrawn support to the government after an agreement was reached between the UML and the Nepali Congress to form a new ruling equation.

The party already recalled its ministers.

According to the agreement, UML chair KP Sharma Oli will lead the government initially to push for constitutional amendments and then hand over power to NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba to conduct the 2027 elections.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stressed on effective priority to disaster management.

In the high-level meeting on mitigation of monsoon disaster risk and risk response held today at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, he said that since the country has a high risk of natural disasters, disaster management should be prioritized in the coordinated efforts of all three security agencies.

The Prime Minister said, "There are ups and downs in politics, but the government and state agencies should not forget their responsibilities. Nepal is a high-risk country in terms of disasters. This year the weather is expected to be unfavorable. So, let's prepare properly to tackle the possible risk. We also have resources in disaster management, but realizing that we are not able to mobilize the resources due to the complications of the procedures, let's modify it so that it can be mobilized easily. Let's focus all the attention of all agencies of the state on preparedness and risk reduction."

In the discussion, he expressed gratitude for the preparations made by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Nepal Army. In the discussion, the Prime Minister was informed about the preparedness of disaster management on behalf of the Nepal Army and the Ministry of Home Affairs and the preparations made by it regarding risk prevention.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane, Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma, Acting Chief Secretary Leeladevi Gadtaula, Home Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, Defense Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma, Inspector General of Police Basant Kunwar, Inspector General of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal and other officials participated in the meeting.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is to seek a vote of confidence on July 12.

The Prime Minister is seeking a vote of confidence after he fell into minority following the agreement of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML to form a national consensus government.

He has already sent a letter to the Parliament Secretariat to take a vote of confidence.

Prime Minister Dahal informed that he is seeking a vote of confidence as per Article 100 (2) of the Constitution.

The Prime Minister has been saying that he would face the Parliament even though the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have been urging him to resign and pave the way for forming a national consensus government.

The UML and the Congress had reached an agreement to form a new government on July 1.

According to the agreement, UML chair KP Sharma Oli will lead the government initially to push for constitutional amendments and then hand over power to NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba to conduct the 2027 elections.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is preparing to seek a vote of confidence within 30 days as per the constitutional provisions.

During the Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, Prime Minister Dahal informed that he will seek a vote of confidence from the Parliament as per the legal provisions, government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma said.

"The government will not resign and will also not cross 30 days. The Prime Minister will face the Parliament according to the constitutional provisions. He does not have any plans to resign, " she said, adding, "Though the date for seeking a vote of confidence has not been fixed yet, he will take a vote of confidence as soon as possible."

The Dahal-led government faced a crisis after the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML announced that they will form a national consensus government.

The ruling coalition partner UML had withdrawn its support extended to the government on Wednesday.

The eight ministers of the UML tendered their resignation on Wednesday itself.

Both the parties--Nepali Congress and CPN-UML--have been urging the Prime Minister to put in papers and pave the way for forming a national government.

Issuing a statement on Thursday, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel urged Prime Minister Dahal not to make any decisions that will have long-term effect.