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By Our Reporter

The present coalition government formed by the two big parties—Nepali Congress and the CPN (UML) in the parliament- with a slogan of maintaining political stability in the country has failed to gain popularity. Instead, it is becoming unpopular among the masses not only for failing to deliver but also for resorting to ordinances by bypassing the parliament. The activities of some ministers, particularly Energy Minister Deepak Khadka to oust Kulman Ghising of the Nepal Electricity Authority and Prime KP Sharma Oli’s remarks against Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah have spoiled the image and popularity of the government. Although Minister Khadka’s attempts failed and PM Oli stopped making harsh comments against Mayor Shah, the government has not succeeded in gaining popularity.

Moreover, the disinformation spread by the supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party in social media after the arrest of its president Rabi Lamichhane has also eroded the popularity of the government as well as the key leaders of the two ruling parties.

The social media campaign of the RSP has somehow succeeded in convincing the people that the government was trying to revenge on Lamichhane.

Above all, the government has not come up with any concrete plans to address the woes of the frustrated people although the latest ordinances were said to be introduced to address the woes of the people, especially the business communities.

The rumours of a dispute between the two ruling parties have also eroded the public image of the government.

Fed up with the public criticism, the ruling parties have also been working to identify the areas that the government should immediately address to pacify the criticism. It is said that NC General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa and UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel are working to identify the areas in which the government needs to act immediately.

Again, the remarks of Prime Minister Oli that the constitution could be amended only in 2030 have ended the relevancy of the coalition government because the government of the two parties was formed with the constitution amendment as the main goal. Now when the goal is abandoned, the relevancy of the government is questioned.

Similarly, CPN (Maoist Centre) chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal is also trying to bring smaller parties together against the government.

When all these activities are eroding the popularity, people are asking whether the present coalition will last till the 2027 elections.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal and RPP want to pull down the government by offering the post of the PM to NC president Sher Bahadur Deuba.

But one thing is sure: the government will continue to survive until Deuba and Oli stand together as the two leaders enjoy a comfortable majority in their parties and parliamentary parties. No one from outside the party can pull down the government at present.