Sushil says CJ-led govt uncertain

TAPLEJUNG, March 4: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala has expressed doubt over the possibility of formation of a chief justice-led government for holding new elections saying that the case filed at the Supreme Court on the same issue is still sub-judice.



He said the issue can be settled only after the verdict of the Supreme Court.[break]



"Firstly, the chief justice himself is reluctant. Secondly, political partis have yet to settle differences over various issues related to government formation," Koirala told Republica. He said that it would be too early to announce the date for forming the new government before CJ Khil Raj Regmi accepts the proposal and the apex court gives its final verdict.



"The UCPN (Maoist) and Madhes-based ruling parties want to defer the elections. Their proposal to form CJ-led government might be one of their tactics to prolong their stay in power and postpone the polls," he explained.



Asked whether or not the leaders have reached an agreement on forming CJ-led government, Koirala said the chances of forming CJ-led government have become more uncertain lately. He held UCPN (Maoist) responsible for spoiling the possibility of the new government.



Koirala said the UCPN (Maoist) leaders are using "divide and rule" tactics against the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. He said that another alternative to remove the government might be protests.



Koirala´s statement come at a time when key leaders from four major political parties -- UCPN (Maoist), NC, CPN-UML and Madhes-based ruling parties -- have in the recent days claimed to have already reached a political understanding on forming CJ-led government within couple of days. Some leaders on Sunday even said that CJ-led government can be formed prior to the Supreme Court verdict, which is scheduled for Thursday.

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