Kathmandu: Nepali Congress Member of Parliament Sanjay Kumar Gautam has demanded the formation of a national government, which has been countered by a Maoist MP.

On Friday, Gautam raised the demand for the formation of a national government in the House of Representatives. Gautam’s demand for the Congress to lead the national government was met with opposition from Maoist Center leader Hitraj Pandey.

“If the country does not resolve the problems of the Sukumbasi, does not work for development, does not control inflation, and remains in the power struggle, then…,” said Gautam, questioning the current government’s leadership under Prachanda. He said, “A change in leadership is necessary for the country to improve its economic condition.”

In general, MP Gautam proposes changing the current government’s leadership to the Congress and forming a national government. He said, “If we want to move at this pace and direction, this (government) will not bring good results. The Nepali people have very few options ahead. Let’s nominate a national government under the leadership of the Nepali Congress in a timely manner.”

He also emphasized the need for a national government to safeguard the constitution. “Congress is the largest party. Let’s all come together to form a national government. If not, the revolution and change will succeed in all areas. Where it will reach is unknown,” said MP Gautam.

Maoist MP Pandey countered, “The issue of a national government has also been raised in the House. I want to say – we are working to take the country forward. We keep adding new issues and focusing on what matters to us. This is not it.”

He claimed that the country is taking a certain direction and said, “The constitution that we have created, we need to implement it with determination to take the country forward.”

Congress MP Gautam criticized the current government for not being able to work on the protection of the constitution and federalism.

Earlier, In the Koshi Province, there were two factions within the Nepali Congress that openly came forward regarding the formation of a coalition government just yesterday. In Koshi, Shekhar Koirala’s faction has put forward Kedar Karki as the candidate for the position of Chief Minister with the support of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML). On the other hand, from the Nepali Congress and the Maoist side, Maoist Assembly member Indra Angbo has put forward a claim. However, among the 29 assembly members, 8 from the Shekhar faction have challenged the Nepali Congress establishment faction to make Kedar Karki the Chief Minister with the support of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML).