UML leaders preparing for a meeting between Oli, Nepal

KATHMANDU: Preparations are underway for a meeting between CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal.

The two leaders have not been on speaking terms since April 2021 when disputes within the party began to surface. Nepal ultimately split from UML to form the Unified Socialist party in August of the same year. He formed an alliance with five parties and joined the government led by Nepali Congress (NC) leader Sher Bahadur Deuba. The five parties also contested the November 20 election by forming an electoral alliance.

“We are making preparations for a meeting between the two leaders, which could take place within the next day or two,” said UML leader Mahesh Basnet. It is believed that the leaders will discuss the formation of a coalition government and party unification.

According to Basnet, Oli and Nepal briefly spoke during the swearing-in of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at the Office of the President on Monday. UML Vice President Bishnu Poudel and Basnet also met with Nepal to discuss the possibility of joining the coalition government. Senior communist leader Bamdev Guatam has also advised Nepal to join Dahal’s government.

Nepal has reportedly been frustrated with Dahal for breaking the alliance with the Nepali Congress (NC) to form a new alliance with UML and become prime minister. Dahal formed the new coalition after the NC, the largest party in parliament, claimed the positions of both prime minister and president.