National
SSF-N awaits left alliance’s decision on sharing power
Having decided to join the KP Oli government, Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSF-N)—the fifth largest party in the Federal Parliament, is cautiously waiting for the left alliance’s move on power sharing bid.Having decided to join the KP Oli government, Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSF-N)—the fifth largest party in the Federal Parliament, is cautiously waiting for the left alliance’s move on power sharing bid.
As the ruling CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) themselves are unclear about power sharing, the SSF-N has been waiting for their decision. “We have told Prime Minister Oli that we would rather support from outside if he finds the power sharing issue tough to resolve,” said SSF-N Co-chair Rajendra Shrestha.
The SSF-N has been demanding three ministerial berths and a constitutional position, including deputy speaker, but PM Oli has offered them only two ministries citing fewer number of ministries.
Once the ruling parties reach an agreement on power sharing, SSF-N will join the government, the Madhes-centric party leaders said.
Meanwhile, the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal has already entrusted its coordinator Mahantha Thakur to hold dialogue with PM Oli and decide whether to join the government.
The RJP-N has already decided to extended its support to Bidya Devi Bhandari as new President, indicating its willingness to will join the Oli-led government.
“I will talk with PM Oli on Friday and make things clear about government’s position on our demands,” Thakur said, adding that the party was positive towards joining the government if the alliance was ready to address their concerns. Thakur added that he had also raised the issue of Resham Chaudhary, who is on fast-onto-death in the Kailali District Prison demanding the certificate of his election as member of the House of Representatives.
“The four-point agreement signed by PM Oli during his previous term are yet to be implemented. I will raise those issues besides the release of the leaders and cadres who are still languishing in different prisons,” he said, reiterating that amendment to constitution remains non-negotiable. The RJP-N leader claimed that if both the SSF-N and the RJP-N decide to join the government, PM Oli could increase the number of ministries to 21 to accommodate them. RJP-N General Secretary Keshav Jha said
his party has demanded Vice-President and three ministries.