Key Takeaways:

• Thapaliya retained as UML parliamentary leader after no-confidence motion withdrawn
• Kiran Thapa nominated for Bagmati CM, backed by UML–NCP alliance
• Alliance has 51 lawmakers, needs two more for majority in 104-member assembly
• Task force formed to negotiate with RPP and NWPP for support

HETAUDA, AUGUST 18 The CPN-UML has resolved its internal dispute in Bagmati Province by retaining Jagannath Thapaliya as parliamentary party leader while agreeing to put forward Kiran Thapa as its candidate for chief minister. The decision was reached at a UML parliamentary party meeting held in Hetauda on Tuesday in the presence of party secretary and Bagmati Province in-charge Mahesh Basnet, along with provincial chair Kailash Dhungel and vice-chair Dawa Dorje Lama, among other leaders. The agreement effectively settles the dispute that emerged after 16 UML provincial lawmakers filed a no-confidence motion against Thapaliya on August 12, demanding that Kiran Thapa be made parliamentary party leader. Thapaliya said the motion has now been withdrawn.

The move comes as Province Chief Dipak Prasad Devkota has invited lawmakers who can demonstrate a majority to stake a claim to form the provincial government under Article 168(2) of the Constitution. The deadline for submitting a claim is 4:00 pm Thursday. The UML–NCP alliance currently has 51 lawmakers, meaning Thapa needs the support of at least two additional members to secure a majority. With the internal dispute settled, Thapa said the alliance would hold talks with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) to secure the required numbers. The UML has formed a five-member task force comprising Kiran Thapa, Bharat KC, Keshab Pokhrel, Bharati Pathak and Dr Dinesh Chandra Devkota to negotiate with other parties.