Kathmandu June 22 : The framework of a new power equation has created a sense of distrust within the ruling coalition between the Congress and the second-tier leaders of the UML. The conversation that took place between them while Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba was in Singapore for a health check-up has increased the uncertainty within the coalition.

While smaller parties believe that the formation of a new alliance will lead to political instability, the UML have taken the initiative to form a government with the participation of two major parties, as expressed by both sides’ leaders.

Regarding the health check-up, Deuba, who went to Singapore on June 13, was scheduled to return on Wednesday at 11 a.m. However, due to sudden changes in his return schedule, Deuba’s important political meeting in Singapore to Indian intelligence authorities due to this incident the ruling coalition has raised concerns. It was during this time that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” united the leftist forces, including the Maoists, on June 21 . This sequence of events has intensified the formation of a new alliance between the Congress and the UML.

According to a leader from the Congress in the dialogue with the UML, the UML leaders have taken the first step towards forming a Congress-UML alliance. The leader of the major party (Nepali Congress) naturally becomes the leader of the government, and when the two parties unite, it does not provide equal opportunities for smaller parties. The UML leaders are advancing the dialogue, stating that the government can work effectively, but our President has not yet shown a positive attitude on this matter. We are waiting to see what will happen after his visit to Singapore.

If Deuba does not show a positive attitude, the immediate formation of an alliance will not be possible, and the Congress faction that is not involved will also not strengthen the new alliance, as stated by the UML in their dialogue. The Congress leaders, Shekhar Koirala, Gagan Thapa, and Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, along with the leaders of the founding faction, have been engaged in dialogue at various stages, as stated by the UML.

Although Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa does not currently see such a possibility, he mentions that it is impossible to rule out the formation of an alliance between the Congress and the UML in the future. He says, “There is nothing like that happening today, but for the formation of our alliance and to wander, we don’t need any ideological basis. It will be impossible for two major parties to form a government together at any time,” he added. Subhas Nembang, Vice Chairman of the UML party and parliamentary deputy leader, also expressed his gratitude for the dialogue that took place between him and the Congress leaders in the recent past.

“The disgruntled Parliament, despite being a strong supporter of the ruling coalition, is engaged in discussions about the formation of the current power alliance. In politics, all possibilities exist, and there is openness for dialogue with Congress leaders, which is encouraging.”

When questioned about the possibility of making Congress President Deuba the Prime Minister, NC leader responded with a question, “I’m not sure, but in general terms, isn’t Congress the first party in the country, operating outside, only providing support superficially? Climbing on someone’s shoulder would have been beneficial, but instead, there have been sent instances of raising allegations, and then switching shoulders. Such things are happening. It may not be evident on the surface, but discussions are happening internally.”

Congress leaders also express uncertainty about the size of the ongoing dialogue. They say, “The dialogue is ongoing in the second phase. However, there is no atmosphere of trust in the upper phase.

Even within the power alliance, the Prime Minister has formed the Socialist front (Morcha). Congress leaders say that Prachanda is taking this step to put pressure on Nepali Congress. Although Prachanda is seeking to assure Congress, he has created doubts. On Wednesday in a public program Prime Minister Prachanda said, “Congress leaders are also in agreement with forming the Socialist front. Left parties quickly form an alliance based on their ideologies, which easily influences Nepal’s politics. Upendra Ji, Madhav Nepal Ji, and I have signed it.” Deuba wanted the alliance to form quickly. He had confidence. He wanted it to be formed quickly.”

According to close leaders, some leaders of the Congress party have been seen aligning with the Maoists in an attempt to defame the Congress and increase mistrust, even in matters related to Bhutanese refugee cases. Recently, Dahal and Deuba have also held discussions. According to sources close to the leaders, Deuba is dissatisfied with Dahal, especially after the government targeted former Home Minister and Congress leader Bal Krishna Khand for investigation. The current alliance’s future is uncertain due to the dormant state of Dahal and Deuba and the same reason has prompted both parties to disclose their respective preparations.

Congress leader Minendra Rijal, who was in the process of negotiating with the UML, has mentioned that the possibility of creating a new alliance after breaking the agreement between the two parties is unlikely. “I want the Congress and the UML to work together and accomplish a lot, but the agreement to let this alliance last for only five years was reached by the President and the Prime Minister. If there is an institutional agreement, how can it be easily deviated? If there is an agreement, it must be faithfully implemented,” said Rijal. “The idea of an alliance between the Congress and the UML is not within my scope. I don’t have any knowledge beyond that.”

In a 275-member House of Representatives, the majority required to form a government is 138. In such a situation, apart from the socialist Front, Congress and the UML together would be the only alternative to form a government. To secure the current government or to form another government in the future in accordance with the agreement, the Socialist Front, with its 54 seats, will remain influential in the Parliament. However, despite efforts to create various options for power balance in the Parliament after the formation of the social Front, the dialogue between the second-tier leaders of the Congress and the UML has disheartened Prachanda.