NC, UML agree for new coalition, Constitution amendment

KATHMANDU: Yet again, the national politics has taken a dramatic turn, posing an imminent risk to the ruling coalition.

Two major political parties in the federal parliament- the Nepali Congress and the CPN UML- have decided to form a new alliance having themselves as the partners in a bid to form a new government and amend the Constitution.

Last night, the top leaders of both parties finalised an agreement for the same, according to a NC central leader. However, the draft of the agreement paper has not been made public.

In a condition of anonymity, a central member said, “The agreement paper prepared after a long discussion and homework was signed by the NC President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and the UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli last night.”

As per agreement, a constitution amendment recommendation commission would be established to amend the electoral system. The parties are said to intensify intra- and internal discussions and decide on sharing ministerial portfolios in the new government.

For the formation of the new alliance, the NC President Deuba and UML Chairman Oli were in regular dialogue for some days.

Deuba had shared in the meeting of the party office bearers on Monday that he had a positive discussion with UML Chair Oli.

In the wake of the unfolding political developments, NC, UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), and Rastriya Swatantra Party are holding their incumbents and secretariat meetings.