Joining power: ministry the key

By TNW correspondent

Including the new party – the Rastriya Swatantra Party – in cabinet is a way to ensure sustainability of the current ruling coalition. But for Prime Minister Dahal, offering ministries to the choice of the fourth largest party in parliament is an uphill struggle.

The RSP gaining more political confidence through two overwhelming wins in recent three by-polls expects more ministries of their MPs’ choice for showing quick performance to people. Key portfolios are already occupied and new ones cannot be created.

That reality, senior politicos note, is being sought to be addressed by PM Dahal and RSP Chair MP Rabi Lamichhane during their talks. Insiders are confident that a breakthrough would be found by the duo in near future.

If the ruling coalition and RSP could not negotiate fairly and properly over the issue in time it could create conflict among the ruling coalition partners and RSP and the same could be instrumental in fueling opposition to the ruling parties through the parties not in power.

Politicos joining power always prefer ministries which have enough resources and projects. There are ministries which play key role in policy making but are not in option frame of those joining government. Bringing about balance in them is a challenge always troubling the Head of Government in the country.

How the phenomenon will play out in future is to be seen, said a media analyst. The RSP, which gained trust in poll, has not yet been able to organize the party in a systematic way. Currently it is solely driven by Chairman Rabi Lamichhane.

 MPs of that party are in the meanwhile eager to show their skills in governance by joining the government as soon as possible, said an insider. “They are interested more in that project than in voicing public concerns in the floor of parliament and pressing for appropriate legislative measures and policy formulations.”