BIRATNAGAR, Feb 28: Lawmakers of the ruling CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) in Province 1 have intensified lobbying to become ministers in the provincial government. 

From the CPN (Maoist Center), parliamentary party leader Tanka Aangbuhang, Ram Kumar Rai and Jhalak Singh Darlami are eying ministerial berth. As per the power-sharing among the ruling parties, CPN (Maoist Center) will get one ministerial post here.    

According to the party sources, although three leaders are aspiring for the post, the party may pick either Rai or Darlami for the ministerial berth as Aangbuhang has already been elected parliamentary party leader. The sources said that the party is working to pick one of the two through consensus. “And if there is no consensus then the party can pick someone else,” the source said. 

Kusal Limbu, a Maoist Center lawmaker, said that the party will select a minister based on seniority if consensus could not be reached. 

Of the total 16 lawmakers of the party, three lawmakers have already assumed various posts. Saraswati Pokharel has become deputy speaker of the assembly, Indra Aangbe has become Minister for Financial Affairs and Aangbuhang has become PP leader. And now from the remaining 13 lawmakers, one will be made minister. But due to multiple aspirants vying for the post, the party is struggling to make a decision, which has delayed the cabinet expansion. 

The CPN-UML is also in a fix over picking ministers due to multiple aspirants for just two posts. According to party sources, lawmakers have been lobbying with senior party leaders in the capital to become ministers. “Even though we have not finalized the candidates, the party has decided to appoint two ministers including a female minister,” Lilaballav Adhikari, a lawmaker, said. 

Tej man Kandawa, Sarwadhaj Sawa, Usha Kala Rai, Yashoda Adhikari, Sabitra Regmi and Sabitra Shrestha have been lobbying to get ministerial posts. 

 
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