KATHMANDU, July 31: Following immense pressure from UCPN (Maoist), Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal has indicated that he would reshuffle the cabinet as per the Maoists’ demand but not inducting all the 24 ministers nominees from the party.
Speaking to media persons at his official residence, the PM has also asked the UCPN (Maoist) to consider recalling the Maoist ministers from the cabinet. [break]
The PM also made it clear that he has the right to reshuffle the cabinet and he would not go with his party, CPN-UML´s decision.
UML has taken a strong exception to the PM´s decision to reshuffle cabinet as per the Maoist demand.
Maoists to continue support to govt
Despite its earlier decision to recall its ministers from the present coalition government, the main opposition UCPN (Maoist) has decided to continue its support to the present Khanal-led government.
Speaking at a press meet in party headquarters, Paris Danda on Sunday chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that he found Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal positive in his party´s demand over cabinet reshuffle. [break]
The chairman claimed that the cabinet reshuffle will not have any impact in the five-point agreement.
Referring to the resignation of the ministers from his party, Dahal clarified that the resignation was not meant to pull out the support from the government rather create a favorable environment for the reshuffling of the cabinet.
He further claimed that the new national consensus government was still possible within 24 hours of oath taking ceremony of the ministers.
The main opposition Nepali Congress has been strongly objecting Maoist’s attempt to send fresh faces to the cabinet. It has been also obstructing parliament proceedings demanding the PM’s resignation.
Dahal calls on PM Khanal
Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal held talks with PM Khanal earlier today at the latter’s official residence, Baluwatar.
During the hour-long meeting that started at 11:30 am, the two leaders discussed on contemporary political issues including the Maoist demand of reshuffling the cabinet.
The PM´s press advisor Surya Thapa informed that the two leaders were positive towards resolving the existing issues through consensus.
At the meeting, Maoist Chairman Dahal told PM Khanal that his party would come up with a clear stance on the issues including the ongoing peace process by today evening, Thapa added.
Related story
Indonesia president says may reshuffle cabinet before second te...
