Ongoing Power Struggles Among Established Parties Shake Nepalese Politics as Young Leaders of UML and NCP Express Discontent
Image source, Getty Images
While the federal government operates under the National Independent Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party – RASWA) with nearly a two-thirds majority, traditional parties, sidelined at the federal level, are once again embroiled in power struggles at the provincial level. This ongoing tussle has intensified dissatisfaction among young leaders within the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist – UML) and the Nepal Communist Party (NCP).
Political analyst Shyam Shrestha remarks that “there has been no change in the behavior of parties that have already frustrated the public in the past,” adding that this trend “actually benefits those opposing federalism.”
The UML and NCP have formed provincial governments across the country through coalitions. Following the breakdown of cooperation with the Nepali Congress, joint governments between the UML and NCP have been established in five provinces.
However, despite having their own party-led governments, local leaders appear dissatisfied, with internal conflicts causing provincial administrations to become tense and unstable.
The power-sharing arrangement between the two leftist parties has entangled the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) in disputes within Bagmati Province and the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) in Lumbini Province.
Complex Power Struggles
Image source, RSS
In Bagmati Province, a dispute has escalated to the courts after the party’s central chairperson issued disciplinary action letters to RPP MPs who had helped secure the majority needed to form the government.
Meanwhile, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ chairman of the Nepal Communist Party, has intervened to reconcile dissenting factions within the party, resulting in Chief Minister Kiran Thapa Magar winning a vote of confidence on Tuesday.
The Nepali Congress appealed to the Speaker, demanding that the vote of confidence be postponed until the support dispute involving the RPP is resolved, and issued a whip instructing its MPs not to participate in the process.
Similarly, in Lumbini Province, as the cabinet was being expanded on Tuesday, the Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSP) summoned three MPs for a second explanation after they supported the government against party directives.
Leaders reported that these MPs were issued a 24-hour ultimatum asking, “Why should investigative action not be taken against you?”
In Karnali Province, the cabinet has not yet been fully formed. Even though Mangala Bahadur Shahi of the Nepal Communist Party became Chief Minister about a month ago, due to internal factionalism, government formation remains incomplete.
On Tuesday, as three NCP ministers were about to be sworn in, a group of party MPs submitted a letter of concern to the central office, which halted the swearing-in process at the last minute.
Lessons of Fagun 21 Still Unlearned
Image source, AFP
UML Central Committee member Sameek Badal interprets the current provincial-level tensions as a failure to learn the lessons from the weak mandate the party received in the Fagun 21 elections.
“Due to incorrect decisions by leadership regarding provinces and inclusion within the Constitution, public disappointment has increased, and the younger generation is now disillusioned with the current system,” says Badal, a former central president of the party’s student organization.
He adds that selfish groups seeking to destabilize Nepal have exploited this situation, and the developments at the provincial level will only deepen this disappointment further.
“Our leaders, especially those in main political parties, seem to have become obstinate,” he comments.
“If decisions and actions were taken with an understanding of federalism’s essence that resonates with the people, such resentment would not have emerged.”
Noting the difficulty in forming governments due to lack of clear majorities in various provinces, Badal emphasizes the necessity of cooperating with the Congress party in the current context.
“Previously, the constitution was promulgated through collaboration among the Congress, UML, and the then Maoists. A similar partnership today would be beneficial, since current decisions raise questions about whether the main parties are capable of effective leadership,” he observes.
Federalism Reduced to Mere Lip Service
Central committee member of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Ranjit Tamang, states that although political parties officially support decentralization, their actual practices tend toward centralization.
“As parties are accused of playing power games, frequent reversals and power struggles within the approximately one-and-a-half-year-old provincial governments have prevented a positive image of federalism or the parties,” says Tamang, who was formerly a leader of the All Nepal National Free Students Union (Revolutionary).
“At a time when federalism needs to be strengthened by leaving behind self-interest and conditionality, parties have failed to do so, which has created an anti-federalism atmosphere.”
He highlights the unprecedented changes in the national political landscape in the past year following mass awareness and elections and underscores the importance of forming inclusive provincial governments that prioritize the public.
“Although the public expects change from political parties, there is little sign of that. To maintain stability, parties must find easy resolutions, as provincial governments are also preparing for elections, which may reduce internal dissent,” Tamang adds.
“Focus on party power rather than public issues has increased public disenchantment with traditional parties, revealing their loyalty to federalism as mere lip service. This adversely affects the public’s real needs and aspirations.”
Politics Remains Unchanged
Image source, KP Oli Secretariat
Political analyst Shyam Shrestha points out that parties have failed to conduct self-reflection on why they have been sidelined, which has led to these repetitive situations.
“Had there been a review of mistakes, solutions would have followed, but these traditional parties remain unchanged. They still believe Nepal’s politics cannot move forward,” he comments.
He asserts this attitude strengthens anti-federalism sentiments.
“With no proactive actions, federalism in Nepal is effectively under threat. This is a dangerous signal for federalism.”
“Political turbulence at the federal level quickly results in negative repercussions within provincial governments. This is unlike the situation in India, posing a risk to federalism’s stability.”
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