CPN-UML chairperson K P Sharma Oli has defended his party's decision to ditch embattled Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and form a coalition government with the Nepali Congress, saying it was required for maintaining political stability and development of the country. Oli-led CPN-UML, the largest party in the ruling coalition, withdrew support for the Prachanda-led government last week after inking a power-sharing deal with the largest party - Nepali Congress - to replace the former Maoist leader, who is expected to lose the confidence vote on Friday. The Nepali Congress, the largest party in the 275-member House of Representatives, has 89 seats at present, while CPN-UML has 78 seats. Their combined strength of 167 is much more than the 138 seats required for a majority in the lower house. Prachanda's party has 32 seats. If everything goes as planned, Oli will likely become the Prime Minister on Saturday and take the oath of office and secrecy on Sunday. Speaking at the party's secretariat on Wednesday Oli, 72, said the alliance between the two large parties the NC and the UML was required for “maintaining political stability and development of the country.” Prachanda, 69, has announced that he would not quit after the resignation of eight Cabinet ministers belonging to the CPN-UML and instead face a vote of confidence in Parliament. The Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML have inked a deal to lead the government turn by turn for the remaining three-year period of the Parliament. Prachanda alleged that Oli had betrayed him. “Oli betrayed me for no reason,” Prachanda told a meeting of the CPN-Maoist Centre's Parliamentary Committee. This will be the third time that Oli will assume the post of prime minister. He was elected the Prime Minister in October 2015 and February 2018.
