Though the prime minister is expecting the names of new ministers from the UCPN (Maoist) on Sunday, leaders from the largest coalition partner said that is not likely to happen.
They said they would nominate new ministers only after agreeing on the formation of a high-level mechanism to oversee government operations, formulation of a common minimum program and a code of conduct for the new government.[break]
UML leaders working at the prime minister´s office at Baluwatar said the prime minister is determined to expand the cabinet Sunday even if the Maoists and other parties fail to recommend names for ministerial berths. The prime minister has finalized the names of UML leaders to be inducted into the cabinet.
Sources at the prime minister´s office said Naresh Kharel, Gokarna Bista, Urmila Aryal, Raghubir Mahaseth and Bhanubhakta Jaishi of the UML are almost certain to get ministerial berths. Though the ministry of local development, ministry of irrigation, ministry of general administration, ministry of energy and ministry of land reform and soil conservation have been allocated to the UML, the prime minister is yet to designate the ministers.
According to sources, Ghanshyam Bhusal is likely to be appointed minister without portfolio with an understanding that he will work closely with the prime minister himself.
The prime minister´s press advisor, Surya Thapa, said talks with the Maoists on Sunday took a positive turn and Khanal is optimistic about giving full shape to the cabinet on Sunday.
Top leaders including the prime minister, Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and other leaders from the UCPN (Maoist) held talks in connection with resolving the rows surrounding power-sharing, introducing a new budget, formation of a high-level mechanism, formulation of a common minimum program and a code of conduct for the government.
“The talks were positive and we agreed to resolve the pending issues within a couple of days,” said UML Chief Whip Bhim Acharya.
But Maoist Chief Whip Posta Bahadur Bogati said recommending the names of new Maoist ministers will come only after the aforementioned issues are cleared.
“There is no point recommending the names of new ministers without first settling the pending issues. Therefore, the prime minister himself should take concrete initiatives to make things clear,” Bogati told Republica.
The prime minister is yet to settle the power-sharing issue with the Madhesi People´s Rights Forum (MPRF) also, although this party has already agreed in principle to join the government. Sources said some small parties have already recommended the names of ministers from their parties, but the prime minister is not in a mood to induct them without first settling the power-sharing issue with the Maoists and MPRF.
On the budget row, UML leaders claimed that the two sides have removed the misunderstandings over whether to table a supplementary budget or go for a full budget. An office-bearers´ meeting of the Maoists on Friday had objected to the finance minister´s preparations for a full-fledged budget without first seeking consent from the Maoists.
“At today´s meeting we removed the misunderstandings and agreed to go for a new [full] budget,” UML Chief Whip Acharya said.
But Bogati refuted the claim. He said talks over the matter are underway and they have so far not reached any conclusion.
“It´s not true that we have reached an agreement on the budget issue. We are yet to reach a conclusion,” Bogati said.
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