Despite today being the final day to claim the post of Chief Minister in Madhesh Province, the coalition parties have still not reached an agreement.
After Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav resigned, leaders of the seven-party alliance — excluding UML — held several discussions, but no consensus has been achieved.
On Thursday, leaders from Nepali Congress, JSP-Nepal, Janamat Party, Maoist Centre, LOSPA, Unified Socialist, and Nagarik Unmukti Party held a meeting, but it ended without any agreement.
A major reason for the deadlock is that both Nepali Congress and Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LOSPA) are unwilling to give up their claim to lead the new provincial government.
Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Krishna Prasad Yadav and LOSPA leader Jitendra Sonal have emerged as the main contenders for the Chief Minister’s post. Both leaders have been holding talks with different parties to secure support.
As per Article 168(3) of the Constitution, the UML-led government under Saroj Kumar Yadav resigned. Following the Supreme Court’s directive, Provincial Head Surendra Labh Karna called for members of the Provincial Assembly to submit claims to form a new government under Article 168(2), which requires the support of two or more parties for a majority. The deadline for submitting claims is today, Friday, by 5 PM.
Earlier, on Kartik 24, Yadav’s swearing-in at Panas Hotel in Bardibas had triggered controversy. The Supreme Court then ordered him to seek a vote of confidence within 24 hours and to form a new government under Article 168(2).
Unable to secure a vote of confidence, Yadav resigned on Mangsir 17. The same day, the Provincial Head issued a call for new government formation.
Uncertainty remains as to whether the parties will reach a consensus before the deadline or submit separate claims for government leadership.
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