Separate new year remarks from Former King Shah and Former PM Dahal trigger political stir
KATHMANDU, April 15: On the very first day of the Nepali New Year 2082 BS, two separate remarks from key political figures outside the government started fresh political debates over the continuity of the current coalition government of the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress (NC).
The new year’s address from former king Gyanendra Shah and a remark by former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who currently chairs the main opposition CPN (Maoist Center), seem to expose the vulnerabilities of the government.
Speaking to a group of journalists at Bharatpur Airport while on the Terai-Madhesh Awakening Campaign on Sunday, former PM Dahal claimed that the ruling coalition could crumble in 2082 BS, re-affirming his months-long desire to form a new ruling coalition.
When asked about the possibility of a new government in the new year, Dahal said, “Forming a government is not our priority, but the situation is unfolding in such a way that it seems this government may not last much longer.”
Former king Shah, meanwhile, released a New Year 2082 BS video message to the general public on the New Year’s eve, yet again tacitly calling for the restoration of monarchy by criticizing the current government.
Objection from leaders of ruling parties
New Year 2082 BS begins today
Both of the remarks have caused a political stir as the leaders of the ruling parties have rushed to denounce both the statements to defend the stability of the government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
The central secretariat meeting of the ruling CPN-UML objected to the recent statement of former King Shah. Speaking to a group of journalists after the meeting, UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said, “The former king's statement reveals his continued hope and activism to bring back the monarchy, which is wrong.”
He objected to former King Shah calling the criminal incident that took place in Tinkune on March 14 as 'public awareness’ of the inadequacies of the political system and urged to stop such activities. “It is objectionable to call looting, vandalism and destruction of the public and private properties as public awareness,” he said.
Gyawali added that while the former King has expressed his grief over the incident in his new year message, he is yet to accept his responsibility for the violence.
“He expressed grief over the March 28 violence and seemed deeply troubled. But does that absolve him of responsibility?” Gyawali questioned. “After publicly declaring on February 19 that he was moving forward and calling for public support—after appointing a commander—he must be held accountable.”
Meanwhile, leaders of the ruling parties have refuted Dahal’s remark, calling it a baseless rumor and a display for his greed for power.
NC leader Min Bishwokarma has claimed that Dahal’s statement is nothing more than a baseless rumor guised as a political stunt.
“Whatever Dahal said about the change of government is just a rumor. He believes that the government will be formed under the leadership of the Congress with his support. We understand his desire. But we are in favour of stability. Therefore, the NC is firm on the agreement of the coalition,” Bishwokarma said.
UML Deputy General Secretary Gyawali termed Dahal's remarks as his 'greed for power'.
“Dahal’s baseless remark reveals his frustration and pain of being outside this government. Now the change of government is neither possible nor relevant, nor justified. Leaving aside national politics and talking only about changing the government is nothing but a fascination for power. He has attempted to create confusion, which we have denied,” Gyawali said.
Dahal’s repeated pleas to Deuba for dissolving coalition
NC leaders close to party President Sher Bahadur Deuba claim that Maoist Center Chairman Dahal has repeatedly proposed Deuba to dissolve the ruling coalition and form a coalition with the Maoist Center.
According to the leaders, Dahal sent multiple proposals to meet Deuba and hold talks on the issue. However, Deuba reportedly rejected it. According to the leaders, Deuba has rejected Dahal's offer to meet him, saying he is currently committed to the coalition with KP Sharma Oli.
Quoting Deuba, a leader close to the NC president said, "Earlier I was with you, I did not meet Oli. Now I am with Oli, I will not meet you. It doesn't do you or me any good when we meet. We are in favour of stability. If you form a government together, it will not be stable.”
According to NC leader Bishwakarma, second-rung leaders of the Maoist Center have been coming up with proposals to form the government in various ways. “However, the NC was not lured by the political 'lollipop',” he said.
Recently, NC leaders including Dr Shekhar Koirala, Gagan Thapa, Bishwa Prakash Sharma, Chandra Bhandari and NP Saud have been expressing anger against Prime Minister Oli. In this scenario, Dahal's statement has created doubts in national politics.