MPRF-D has also sought the Maoist party´s official position on the four-point deal -- the basis of the present coalition, the functioning of the government, peace process, constitution drafting and how the coalition can be kept intact. [break]
The party sought the official stance of its ruling coalition partner after the latter´s parliamentary board decided that Bhandari should step down for his public remarks against national integrity.
"We decided to seek the official position as the four-point deal has been opposed by the Mohan Baidya faction of the Maoist party and its parliamentary board has decided that the defense minister should resign," said MPRF-D Spokesperson Jitendra Dev at the conclusion of a meeting of the party´s political committee, adding, "We will take the necessary decision on Tuesday after we receive a reply from the Maoist leadership."
Meanwhile, the party is also holding a meeting on Tuesday with its partners in the United Democratic Madhesi Front, the alliance of five Madhesi parties, to discuss the issue. The political committee is then scheduled to meet to decide whether Bhandari should be recalled from the cabinet.
´The committee will take a miraculous decision that will end the deadlock in parliament and create an environment of consensus among political parties," added Dev.
He, however, did not elaborate what he meant by "miraculous."
The meeting could not take a decision on recalling Bhandari as a majority on the 19-member committee opined that Bhandari should not step down. The committee is going to meet again on Tuesday.
"Bhandari´s statement represents the general sentiment expressed during the Madhes movements," said a leader on the committee when asked why the majority supported Bhandari.
"The meeting also concluded that Bhandari´s case is a political one while Sah´s is a criminal one," said Dev, urging the opposition parties, which have obstructed parliamentary proceedings demanding Bhandari´s resignation, not to treat both cases equally. The opposition NC and CPN-UML have continued to obstruct parliament, demanding Bhandari´s resignation. Their demand for the dismissal of Land Reform Minister Prabhu Sah has already been addressed.
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