Oli–Yadav Discuss New Power Alignment in Madhesh, UML Seeks JSP Nepal’s Support

Dragon Media Correspondent

CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli and Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal Chair Upendra Yadav have held a special discussion on forming a new political alignment in Madhesh Province.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, the two leaders met at Oli’s residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, on Tuesday. Their talks focused on the changing provincial political situation following the collapse of the power-sharing partnership between the UML and the Nepali Congress at the federal level.

The UML and the Nepali Communist Party have reached an understanding on restructuring provincial governments, under which the UML is expected to lead governments in Koshi, Bagmati and Lumbini, while the NCP will lead in Karnali and Sudurpashchim. The leadership and structure of governments in Madhesh and Gandaki are to be determined through consultations with other parties represented in the respective provincial assemblies.

Against this backdrop, Oli reportedly sought JSP Nepal’s support and cooperation in forming a new government in Madhesh Province. Sources said the UML considers the party’s backing important because of the existing balance of power in the Provincial Assembly.

Madhesh Province currently has a Nepali Congress-led government. Although the UML, the NCP and other parties are represented in the government led by Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav, uncertainty has emerged over its continuation following the new political realignment at the federal level.

The two leaders are understood to have discussed the possible leadership of a new government, the participation of political parties and prospects for broader political cooperation. Neither party, however, has formally disclosed the details of the meeting or announced any agreement.

As no single party holds a clear majority in the Madhesh Provincial Assembly, cooperation among more than two parties would be required to form a new government. In this situation, JSP Nepal’s decision could play a decisive role in determining whether the current government survives or an alternative coalition takes shape.

While the process of reorganising governments has begun in other provinces under the UML–NCP understanding, the question of leadership and the required majority in Madhesh remains unresolved. The Oli–Yadav meeting is therefore being viewed as an initial effort to end the continuing political uncertainty in the province.