Preparing to withdraw its support to Deuba-led govt, MC holds internal discussion

KATHMANDU, Feb 25: As a result of sharing a different position regarding the ratification of the Millennium Challenge Corporation-Nepal compact (MCC) agreement, the ruling alliance is on the verge of split.

The key coalition partner of the Nepali Congress, the ruling party, CPN (Maosit Center) has been opposing the MCC agreement and is preparing to withdraw its support to the government.

The ruling alliance consists of NC, CPN (MC), CPN (Unified Socialist), Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) and Rastriya Janamorcha Party.

Key leaders of the MC are currently holding an internal discussion at the Khumaltar-based residence of Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the party’s chair.

The meeting is dwelling on the crisis in the ruling alliance, MCC and withdrawing support to the government.

Earlier, in a meeting held between Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Chairman of MC, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, maintained that the further partnership is not possible if the MCC is ratified in the present form. Deuba, on his part, had stated that parties must now choose their own path ahead.

PM Deuba wants the MCC to be ratified at any cost while the CPN (MC) wants some provision in the agreement to be amended if it is to be ratified.