Opposition Nepali Congress claims it will form next government

Opposition parties in Nepal along with the CPN-MC, lead by Dahal, have long been discussing plans to form an alliance to dislodge Prime Minister Oli’s government. On Friday, Dr. Shashanka Koirala, the NC general-secretary, has claimed to lead the next government in the country.

"NC will lead the alliance and form the new government after Maoist Centre and Janata Samajwadi Party reach a conclusion to form the new government," he was quoted as saying by the Himalayan Times.

The CPN-MC, led by Oli’s rival Dahal, is still in the government. The party would likely withdraw its support once opposition parties form a consensus on the future alliance. However, the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), a key opposition party, which has emerged as a kingmaker, has reportedly been in touch with both camps: the Oli camp and the anti-Oli camp.

Dahal has already ruled himself out of the prime ministerial post. The unreliability of the JSP seems the only reason why the opposition parties are yet to bring a no-confidence motion against the Oli government.

According to a report in the Kathmandu Post, a section of leaders in the JSP is supportive of backing Oli if they receive a better offer from him. While others believe in supporting NC.

The JSP has 32 MPs while the Oli government would need just 16 votes in case the Dahal-led CPN-MC withdraws its support.