Kathmandu— Preparatory discussions have begun for possible political unity between the Ujyaala Nepal Party, patronised by Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, and the Progressive Democratic Party, backed by former minister Janardan Sharma.
The move comes shortly after Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) reached a unity agreement early Sunday morning. Ghising, who had been involved in earlier rounds of discussion, was ultimately left out when Lamichhane and Shah finalised their deal.
Working-level discussions underway
Confirming the development, Santosh Pariyar, a member of the Progressive Democratic Party’s Presidential Council and part of the ongoing discussions, said that working groups from both parties are engaged in consultations.
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“Discussions are underway at the working level. Nothing has been finalised yet, but talks are continuing,” Pariyar told NepalPulse.
Leaders involved describe the process as “homework” aimed at assessing ideological compatibility, organisational structure, and future electoral cooperation.
Ideological proximity cited as basis for cooperation
Another Presidential Council member, Sudan Kirati, said the momentum for unity increased after the Rabi–Balen agreement effectively sidelined Ghising.
“After Rabi and Balen moved ahead without Kulmanji, discussions between Pragatisheel and Ujyaalo Nepal gained pace. We are ideologically closer, so preparations for cooperation are now underway,” Kirati said.
According to party insiders, both sides see an opportunity to consolidate progressive and alternative political forces outside the emerging RSP-led alliance.
Leadership background of the two parties
The Progressive Democratic Party is patronised by former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai, along with former minister Janardan Sharma. The Ujyaalo Nepal Party is led under the patronage of Energy Minister Kulman Ghising.
While no formal decision has been announced, leaders from both parties indicate that unity or electoral cooperation remains a strong possibility, depending on the outcome of the ongoing discussions.
Political realignments continue ahead of elections
The latest development reflects the rapid political realignments underway ahead of the February 21 House of Representatives elections. With new alliances forming and old negotiations breaking down, alternative and progressive forces are recalibrating their strategies in a crowded and fluid political landscape.
For now, leaders from both Ujyaalo Nepal and the Progressive Democratic Party say the focus remains on dialogue, with clarity expected only after further consultations.
