KATHMANDU: The ordinances issued prior to the convening of the parliamentary session are now facing significant challenges, as the coalition government, holding a near two-thirds majority, struggles to secure support.

Without the backing of Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSP) Chairman Upendra Yadav, these ordinances are likely to fail in the National Assembly.

Although the government holds a majority in the House of Representatives, all three JSP MPs in the National Assembly are in a position to oppose the ordinances, which could lead to their failure.

If the government, already under pressure from the main opposition Maoist Center and the Rastriya Swatantra Party, fails to pass these ordinances, it could result in a moral crisis.

To avoid this, Prime Minister KP Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba sought help from JSP leaders last Thursday.

However, on Tuesday, JSP decided not to support the land-related ordinance out of the six proposed.

JSP has yet to confirm whether it will support the other five ordinances, though it is maintaining its bargaining power by suggesting it could back them.

JSP Chairman Yadav has firmly stated that his party will not support the land ordinance under any circumstances.

After the parliamentary party’s decision, Yadav said, “We are not eager to join the government. Under no circumstances will we support the land ordinance. Even if it is amended, it is not acceptable and needs substantial improvement.”

The five ordinances were approved by the Council of Ministers and sent to President Ram Chandra Poudel for certification.

These included ordinances to amend various Nepal Acts related to good governance, public service delivery, financial procedures, privatization, and the economic environment, along with a land-related ordinance.

Although President Poudel initially withheld the “Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Land, 2081,” he issued it after reviewing it for two days.

JSP Nepal has now decided that it can only support ordinances that do not involve land issues.

The party has indicated that its stance is still under negotiation, leaving room for further discussions.

While the Nepali Congress and UML may not face immediate consequences if the ordinances fail, the government could face a moral crisis, which may lead to further instability when the new fiscal year’s budget is presented.

Consequently, the two leading parties are making efforts to persuade Upendra Yadav.

If Yadav decides to join the opposition, the situation could become more complicated.

However, the Maoist Center and others currently lack the capacity to form an alternative government.

Still, if Madhes-centric parties like Janamat Party, JSP, JSP Nepal, Loktamtrik Samajwadi Party, and Nagarik Unmukti Party unite, the government could face challenges in both houses.

Recently, these Madhes-centric parties have formed a loose alliance, compelling the government to convince smaller parties.

As a result, the government may be forced to withdraw the land-related ordinance.