Dahal wants to become PM at any cost

KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has already told the ruling coalition that he wants to be the next prime minister. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur is in a difficult situation as Dahal has hinted that he could leave the coalition if that does not happen.

As Deuba wishes to become the prime minister again, at least for a short period, Dahal’s claim has left Nepali Congress leaders close to Deuba disillusioned. Maoist Center has requested Deuba to become President instead and pave the way for Dahal to become the next executive head of the country.

Sources say Dahal has been telling leaders of the coalition that since he helped Dahal to become the prime minister, Deuba should help him now. “It would be better if he (Deuba) becomes the President,” a leader told Himal Press, quoting Dahal. “But Deuba is unwilling to become President by leaving two posts – prime minister and party president.”

Maoist Center leaders are insisting that Deuba becomes the next President. They are saying that Deuba’s spouse Arzoo can join the government if Deuba is willing to become the head of the state.

“Deuba will get the same offer if he joins hands with the UML. This the best way for Deuba’s graceful exit from politics,” a Maoist leader told Himal Press.

The leader said Dahal is showing interest to become prime minister as he will have to lead the party for some more time.

Deuba’s press advisor Govinda Pariyar, however, said there have been no talks of Deuba becoming President. Regardless of the rumors, Deuba will become the next prime minister, he claimed. “NC, which won 23 seats in 2017, has arrived at this stage because of Deuba’s efforts. The five-party coalition is about to get the majority. I don’t think Deuba is thinking anything else,” Pariyar added.

Though Pariyar is claiming that Deuba will become the next prime minister, voices are starting to be heard in Nepali Congress that Deuba shouldn’t be the next prime minister. One must first be the parliamentary party leader to become the prime minister. Whether Deuba will become the next prime minister will depend on what Deuba’s position will be in the election for the parliamentary party leader.

Senior Vice President of Maoist Center Narayan Kaji Shrestha said the time has come for Dahal to lead the government. “The coalition should have proposed Dahal to lead the government by now. The matter hasn’t been discussed in the coalition meeting yet. Everything will be clear once the meeting is held,” he added. “NC has led the government until now. It held the election. The coalition should now thank Deuba and allow the Maoist Center to lead the government for the first two years.”

138: The Magic Number
The ruling coalition looks to be heading toward the majority. NC has already won 52 first past the post (FPTP) seats. Similarly Maoist Center and Unified Socialist have won 17 and 10 seats, respectively. Other coalition partners Loktantrik Samajbadi Party and Rastriya Jana Morcha have won four and one seats, respectively.

Likewise, NC is expected to get at least 33 seats under the PR system, while Maoist is likely to get 15 seats. The chances of other parties of the coalition crossing the threshold to be eligible for the PR seats look impossible.

UML has won 43 seats and is on course to get 35 PR seats. Other members of its alliance – Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) and Rastriya Prajantra Party (RRP) are expected to get 12 and 15 seats, respectively.

The support of 138 lawmakers is needed to form the government. Therefore, UML is not in a position to form a government in the present circumstances. But it can get the magic number by bringing Maoist Center and a few independent lawmakers on board. It will be interesting to see who the newly-formed Rastriya Prajatantra Party will support.  RPP is also expected to get around 15 seats.

Deuba has already invited Dr CK Raut of Janamat Party to Kathmandu for discussion. His party is likely to get four seats. That is why Deuba is working to bring Raut on board the ruling coalition.