Ruling coalition on the verge of split

KATHMANDU: The ruling coalition, which successfully held the November 20 election, is on the verge of split crisis due to differences between Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal over government leadership.

While the two leaders are said to have agreed to lead the government by turns, both want to lead the government first.

Dahal left the meeting of coalition leaders at the prime minister’s official residence in Baluwatar Sunday afternoon after Deuba reiterated that NC wants both the vital posts of PM and the President.

Sources say Dahal accused Deuba of violating past agreements and promises.

Coalition leaders say Deuba offered the post of Vice President and Speaker to the Maoist while keeping the posts of PM and President for the NC.

Dahal has reached Balkot to meet CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli who is said to be open to letting Dahal lead the government first.

NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel said Dahal left the coalition meeting abruptly. “Nothing is in our hands now. Dahal left the meeting saying he won’t attend coalition meetings anymore,” Poudel added.