Kathmandu- Disagreements between the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML over power-sharing have delayed the appointment of a new governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). Rising tensions over the issue have reportedly threatened the stability of the ruling coalition.

In response, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba held an hour-long meeting at Baluwatar on Tuesday. 

According to a source close to Baluwatar, the two leaders discussed the ongoing teacher agitation and the unresolved governor appointment.

Despite the discussions, no consensus has been reached. Prime Minister Oli has proposed the current Acting Governor, Neelam Dhungana, for the permanent role, a move that has unsettled many within the coalition, particularly among Nepali Congress leaders who oppose Oli’s approach. 

Amid the tension, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ publicly warned that the government could collapse and be reshuffled.

On Tuesday, Deuba insisted that the new governor must be a competent, non-controversial figure capable of stabilizing the financial sector and reviving the economy, emphasizing that Congress's consent is essential for the appointment. 

Reportedly, Oli agreed to proceed through mutual consultation, with a Congress source saying the Prime Minister assured Deuba that the appointment would be made by consensus.

Oli is believed to have backed Neelam in exchange for Congress-led appointments in bodies like the Election Commission. However, this time Deuba is holding firm. Internal pressure within Congress has grown, especially after Oli appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya to lead the Nepal Electricity Authority without consultation.

A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that discussions have now shifted to considering Nepal Rastra Bank directors Dr. Gunakar Bhatta and Gyanendra Dhungana as potential candidates. 

'Earlier contenders Rajendra Kumar Kshetri and Rabindra Pandey were dropped due to legal disputes over age limits, and Deuba is now strongly pushing for Dr. Bhatta’sappointment.'