Kathmandu — As discussions on unity and cooperation among new political forces, including Gen-Z-led movements, gain momentum, the top leadership of Nepal’s three major parties—Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, and Nepali Communist Party Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’—have begun moving closer politically.
This development comes amid heightened political uncertainty and parallel negotiations over the upcoming Falgun 21 elections, with senior leaders indicating preparedness for both electoral and non-electoral contingencies.
Kharel’s meetings with top leaders
Minister for Information, Technology and Communications Jagadish Kharel, who visited the headquarters of the three major parties four days ago, held separate meetings on Friday with Deuba, Oli and Prachanda. Although the meetings were held individually, Kharel said the substance of discussions was uniform.
“All three leaders clearly said they are not against elections. Elections are synonymous with democracy,” Kharel told reporters. “Seeking public mandate is the correct democratic path.”
According to Kharel, the Nepali Congress and NCP leaders expressed unconditional commitment to elections, while UML Chair Oli emphasized the need for a secure electoral environment.
“Chair Oli said elections should be held, but security arrangements must be ensured. The government will take responsibility for that,” Kharel said.
Kharel added that, following these meetings, he is now confident—not merely optimistic—that elections will be held on Falgun 21 with participation from all major parties.
Sheetal Niwas discussions as foundation
Sources say Kharel’s confidence is rooted in a high-level meeting held at Sheetal Niwas on December 21, where President Ram Chandra Poudel facilitated discussions among Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Deuba, Oli and Prachanda.
According to participants, there was a shared understanding that an environment conducive to elections must be created, with each institution playing its role.
Following the Sheetal Niwas meeting, Prime Minister Karki invited Deuba, Oli and Prachanda for further talks at Baluwatar. While the meeting was deferred due to internal party commitments, Kharel’s consultations were held in preparation for that broader discussion.
Security concerns and seat-limit issue
During discussions, Deuba and Oli jointly raised concerns over restrictions imposed on senior leaders, including seat limits and withdrawal of security personnel, arguing that such measures send a message of insecurity.
Prachanda is said to have supported the need to address these concerns, emphasizing that elections must proceed on Falgun 21 and the government should act accordingly.
Sources indicate that Prime Minister Karki agreed to review decisions related to seat limits and security arrangements, potentially easing restrictions in the coming days.
Following this understanding, CPN-UML has already instructed its party units to prepare proportional representation candidate lists, signaling readiness for elections. The Congress and NCP are also continuing their election preparations.
Beyond elections: dual-track political calculations
Despite public commitments to elections, major parties are also discussing alternative political scenarios, including safeguarding the constitution and democratic order if elections do not materialize.
According to high-level sources, Prachanda has shown openness to supporting Oli’s position on possible House restoration, should the political situation demand it. Informal homework on this front is reportedly being undertaken by senior leaders across parties.
However, leaders acknowledge that House restoration would not be straightforward and would require broad political consensus alongside assurances of future elections.
Major parties signal collective stance
Senior leaders argue that persistent rhetoric against traditional parties and the rise of alternative forces have pushed them toward closer coordination.
“This is not just about security. The role of major parties in safeguarding democracy and the constitution is being questioned,” said an NCP leader. “We have reached a point where cooperation is necessary.”
Sources confirm that Deuba, Oli and Prachanda are aligned on maintaining unity—whether through elections or alternative constitutional paths—to protect the political system.
As Nepal stands at a critical political juncture, the convergence of the three major parties signals a strategic recalibration, even as new and alternative forces continue to reshape the broader political discourse.
