New Governments Formed in Provinces Amidst Coalition Disputes

Kathmandu. New governments are being formed in the provinces one after another following the agreement between CPN (UML) and CPN to share power in the provinces on July 25. New governments have been formed in Karnali, Sudurpashchim, and Bagmati based on the three-point agreement between UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and CPN Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. However, the old governments have continued in Lumbini and Koshi. Mangal Shahi of CPN has become Chief Minister in Karnali, Khagraj Bhatta of CPN in Sudurpashchim, and Kiran Thapamagar of UML in Bagmati. However, disputes within the ruling coalition parties have not been resolved even in the provinces where new governments have been formed. The previous Congress-UML power-sharing in the provinces has collapsed, and a new power equation has been formed between UML and CPN. Leaders of UML and CPN have stated that this will end the misunderstandings regarding budget construction, the state of being without a budget, and unhealthy political competition in the provincial assemblies, and will accelerate political stability, good governance, prosperity, and provincial development. However, with the new coalition parties themselves entangled in internal disputes in the provinces, tasks ranging from the Chief Minister seeking a vote of confidence to the expansion of the Council of Ministers have been obstructed.

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