Amid rumours of a possible poll alliance between Nepal’s two largest communist parties—the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP)—Pushpa Kamal Dahal, coordinator of the NCP, has ruled out partnering with any party in the March 5 parliamentary elections.

Addressing growing media speculation about potential alliances, Dahal stated that his party will contest the election on its own strength and own agenda.

He made the statement as some CPN-UML hinted at the possibility of an alliance with the NCP just days before the polls in key electoral constituencies to ensure the top party leadership's victory.

Top UML leaders including Chairman KP Oli, Vice-chairman Bishnu Poudel, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, and some NCP leaders are facing tough contests from the Nepali Congress and Rastriya Swatantra Party. This is why the UML has been pushing for electoral alliances in select constituencies to ensure the victory of UML and NCP leaders.

"We will go to the election with the strength of our own party and the people," said Dahal. "From day one, we have made it clear that we are not forming any alliances, despite the continuous media discussions suggesting otherwise." The NCP supremo claimed that the party had no interest in collaborating with those responsible for the September 8 violence and the September 9 destruction, an apparent reference to the UML and Congress, which were in government at the time.

He also dismissed rumours that the party might abandon certain constituencies to help rival leaders win.

After reports circulated that some UML and NCP leaders met on Wednesday evening in Kathmandu and discussed a possible electoral alliance, Dahal personally spoke to his party's candidate from Jhapa-5 and dismissed the rumors. He called Ranjit Thapa, who is competing along with Oli and senior RSP leader Balen Shah in the constituency, and clarified that the reports of an alliance between the NCP and UML were baseless.

Tamang echoed Dahal’s statement, asserting that there would be no electoral alliance with anyone. “There have been many speculations about alliance talks and ticket distribution," he said. "I have already reached out to the voters and, after discussing the situation with our party leadership, I can confirm that we are not forming any alliances. There have been no official or unofficial discussions on this matter."

Tamang also urged supporters not to be misled by rumours and to see through the "illusory veils" surrounding speculation. “We are going to the election on our own. If no party gets a majority in Parliament after March 5, the issue of alliances will be addressed separately," he added.

Jhapa-5, which has drawn nationwide attention due to the high-profile competition among Oli, Shah, and Tamang has been at the centre of alliance rumours.

UML General Secretary Pokharel has reportedly been involved in discussions with the NCP regarding possible alliances in constituencies such as Jhapa-5 and Dang-2, and others.

However, during the launch of the UML's election manifesto in Ghorahi, Dang, he had said that no final decisions had been made regarding electoral alliances. Pokharel is contesting from Dang-2.

“It is not appropriate to make hasty statements based on media reports. Discussions are ongoing between parties, but no final conclusion has been reached,” said Pokharel. He cautioned against making assumptions about the nature of any potential alliance until official announcements are made.

While the NCP maintains its position of going solo in the upcoming elections, the political landscape remains fluid.

On Wednesday, Dahal hinted at the need for unity with parties such as Congress and UML to prevent instability in the country, particularly targeting the RSP. Despite these concerns, the NCP's official line remains clear: no alliances will be formed ahead of the election.

With the election just a week away, political parties continue to navigate speculation and strategy, but it remains to be seen how the final outcomes will shape Nepal's next government.