Deadline has expired to claim legitimacy by either side of the party as per Section 44 of Political Parties Act-2017, which calls for making such claims within 30 days after dispute arises.

Views differed in the party over House dissolution. Now there are questions whether it should join hands with Oli or Dahal-Nepal faction in Bagmati and Province 1.

Ever since Oli dissolved the House, all his statements have revolved around ‘I, me and myself’, as he has shown utter disregard for the checks and balances.

While Bhattarai and Yadav want to protest against the dissolution of the House, Thakur and Mahato have other plans.

Civil society members say the House dissolution move is wrong but taking violent means to find a solution to it will be equally wrong, as it will put the country on the slippery slope.

The party needs to send a message of unity to its cadres and maintain a balance in its relationship with both factions of the communist party, they say.

Two days after Oli dissolved the House of Representatives on December 20, the faction’s Central Committee had removed him as chair of Nepal Communist Party.

While Dahal-Nepal faction seeks support from other forces to intensify protests, Oli group is pleased with informal gatherings.

As tenure of Central Committee expired in May, it was up to him to form new one to hold party’s convention, he says.

The party that had been licking its wounds after the 2017 electoral defeat is suddenly licking its lips at the thought of returning to power whichever way the situation unfolds–either the House is restored or the country goes to polls.

Both factions of Nepal Communist Party need backing of opposition party to further their cause in the provinces.

Once again ignoring the fact that his December 20 move is sub judice in court, Oli says the House cannot be restored and urges all to prepare for elections.

Observers and parties say the nature of split in the Nepal Communist Party is still unclear. Should the two factions decide to unite, the movement will be a dud, they say.

Nembang, who oversaw constitution drafting as Constituent Assembly chair, is heard in a 2019 video clip saying constitution does not allow House dissolution. But he hasn’t called Oli’s move unconstitutional.

Out of 32 members of Nepal Communist Party in Province 2 Assembly, 19 belong to the Dahal-Nepal faction.

Since dissolving Parliament, Oli has in almost all his public appearances said it cannot be revived, even though the Supreme Court is hearing the matter.

Constitutional experts say the prime minister either doesn’t understand the constitution or he is twisting facts and constitutional provisions to defend his action.

After holding one round of protest against House dissolution, the Congress party has decided not to go for joint agitation amid talks of a power-sharing deal between Deuba and Oli.

The announcement of the protests against the dissolution of the House comes after Nepali Congress decided not to join an all-party stir.

Following the split in the ruling Nepal Communist Party, Bhim Acharya, of the Dahal-Nepal faction, was voted to replace Rai, an Oli ally, as Province 1 assembly leader.