Why is Deuba reluctant to challenge Oli?

Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, who has been accused of trying to safeguard the present government led by KP Sharma Oli, has said that removal of the KP Sharma Oli-led government immediately was impossible although seeking an alternative to this government is the need of the hour.

Speaking at a function organised by the Nepal Student Union on the occasion of its 52th anniversary Monday, Deuba said that politics was a game of possibility but replacing the present government with the new one was not that easy. NC boss Deuba said while the Madhes-based party was willing to support the government, the Maoist Centre had not withdrawn its support given to the government and they were major problems in pulling down the government.

He, however, said that

he was ready to remove Prime Minister Oli, but he should be sure and certain that PM Oli could be ousted before taking any step towards that direction. “I have no intention to give continuity to the Oli-led government,” he said.

He said the patient was needed in politics and everything could not be possible at the earliest. However, Deuba accused Prime Minister Oli of surrendering to India to remain in office. It was the only boldest comment made by Deuba against Oli in recent months.

NC general secretary Dr Shashanka Koirala urged party chief Deuba to take an oath to pull down the present government.

Urging Deuba to move forward, Dr Koirala said the UML lawmakers would cross the floor in the parliament.

He said if the present government conducted the elections, it could harm the NC.