Kathmandu, 21 July 2025. Nepal’s ruling coalition, comprising Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), faces escalating internal tensions. In UML, former President Bidya Bhandari’s political comeback has sparked a power struggle with party chair KP Sharma Oli. Meanwhile, in Congress, Shekhar Koirala’s non-establishment faction is vocal against the government’s performance and governance issues.
**UML: Oli-Bhandari Tensions**
– **Bhandari’s Return**: Bidya Bhandari met Oli at UML’s office, signaling her active return and hinting at contesting the party presidency, challenging Oli’s dominance.
– **Membership Dispute**: A controversy over Bhandari’s party membership, raised by Oli, has been perceived as an attempt to undermine her. Oli promised resolution, but tensions persist.
– **Oli’s Strategy**: Oli has altered party rules, like restricting convention participation and removing age/term limits, to secure his leadership.
– **Impact**: Bhandari’s assertiveness could shift UML’s power dynamics, risking party unity and coalition stability.
**Congress: Shekhar Koirala’s Activism**
– **Dissatisfaction**: Koirala has criticized the government’s governance failures, holding meetings with MPs to address corruption and public discontent.
– **Engagements**: He met Maoist leader Prachanda and Bhandari, discussing governance, while maintaining ties with Congress leaders like Gagan Thapa.
– **Options**: Koirala’s faction is considering pressing for better governance, leadership changes, or reviewing the coalition’s structure.
**Analysis**
– **UML Dynamics**: Bhandari’s challenge threatens Oli’s control, with rule changes seen as defensive moves. A potential split could destabilize the coalition.
– **Congress Strategy**: Koirala’s activism signals a push for leadership change and governance reforms, possibly reshaping alliances.
– **Coalition Impact**: Mutual distrust between Congress and UML, amplified by public discontent over corruption, threatens government stability.
**Conclusion**
Both UML and Congress face internal leadership battles and coalition strains. Bhandari’s return and Koirala’s activism highlight governance and power struggles, potentially reshaping Nepal’s political landscape. Both parties need dialogue, stronger governance, and commitment to coalition agreements to restore stability.
