Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has decided to join the ruling coalition in Madhesh Province.
The UML’s entry into the coalition follows discussions between top leaders of the Nepali Congress (NC) and UML in Kathmandu. The NC had approached UML after the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal remained undecided on whether to support the Krishna Prasad Yadav-led government.
The uncertainty surrounding JSP Nepal had earlier forced Chief Minister Yadav to postpone his vote of confidence scheduled for May 15. Although JSP Nepal on Thursday decided to back Yadav in the trust vote, it will no longer remain part of the ruling coalition.
With the latest development, the previous alliance between the Nepali Congress, JSP Nepal, Janamat Party, CPN (Maoist Center), and CPN (Unified Socialist) has been replaced by a new coalition. The Maoist Center and Unified Socialist have now merged to form the Nepali Communist Party (NCP).
Earlier, UML had extended support to Chief Minister Yadav without participating in the Cabinet.
A provincial lawmaker from the NC Congress said that a new coalition comprising the NC, UML, and NCP will now form the government in Madhesh Province.
According to the lawmaker, UML’s Mohammad Sameer is set to be appointed as a minister without portfolio. He is expected to take the oath of office on Thursday itself.
