Janakpur, December 18 — Leaders of a seven-party alliance in Madhesh Province are engaged in intensive package negotiations to form a new government. Nepali Congress, JSP Nepal, Janamat, CPN-Maoist Centre, LSP, Unified Socialist, and the Citizens’ Liberation Party leaders and lawmakers have been holding formal and informal discussions since midday on Wednesday to chart a path for government formation.
After UML parliamentary leader Saroj Kumar Yadav resigned from the provincial assembly on Wednesday, citing a lack of support for a vote of confidence, the Province Chief invited claims for the Chief Minister’s post by Friday evening, 5 PM.
Within the seven-party alliance, Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Yadav and LSP’s Satish Singh have staked claims for the Chief Minister’s position. However, with the Speaker’s post vacant, the parties are pursuing a “package strategy” to reach consensus on both the government and the Speaker simultaneously.
A lawmaker noted, “The parties are trying to agree on leadership, ministry allocation, and the Speaker’s position all at once. Congress and LSP have staked their claims, but the seven-party alliance is working to reach a joint consensus.”
Internal analysis suggests that Krishna Yadav of Congress is gaining stronger support. Outgoing Chief Minister Yadav has indicated he will extend a vote of confidence to a government led by any party, further strengthening Congress’ claim.
Meanwhile, JSP Nepal is strategizing to secure the Speaker position without claiming the Chief Minister post, while other parties are negotiating for key ministerial portfolios.
The Madhesh Provincial Assembly has a total of 107 members, with a majority of 54 required to form a government. The current seat distribution is: UML 25, Congress 22, JSP 19, Janamat 13, Maoist 9, LSP 9, Unified Socialist 1, and 1 seat each for other smaller parties.
The seven-party alliance aims to reach a swift consensus and announce the new Chief Minister and Speaker in the coming days.
