JANAKPURDHAM, Dec 4: Nepali Congress (NC) Provincial President and Parliamentary Party (PP) leader Krishna Prasad Yadav has said that the party will stake claim for the leadership of the new government in Madhesh Province. Since the NC is the largest party in the seven-party alliance, he said that coalition partners are positive about forming a government under its leadership.
Yadav noted that all other parties in the alliance have already led the provincial government in previous terms, making it reasonable for NC to take charge this time. “After the UML-led government fell during the protests, leaders of the seven-party alliance were positive about forming a government under NC. This makes our claim valid,” he told Republica.
Yadav said the party will formally submit its claim to the Province Chief today with the support of the seven-party alliance. Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav from UML resigned earlier, after which Province Chief Surendra Labh Karna invited parties to form a government.
As per Article 168(2) of the Constitution, the Province Chief has asked any member who can secure a majority with the support of two or more parties to present their claim. The deadline for submission is Friday, 5 PM.
In the seven-party alliance, NC holds 22 seats, JSP Nepal 19, Janamat Party 13, CPN (Unified Socialist) 7, Maoist Centre 9, Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP) 9, and Nagarik Unmukti Party 1 seat.