Concerns over future of new govt in Nepal
◗ The government was formed with the support of the CPN- Maoist Centre, with 53 seats, but no Maoist ministers were part of the Cabinet
Kathmandu, Feb. 16: Questions are already being raised over the future of the new Nepal government, a day after CPN- UML leader K P Sharma Oli was sworn in as prime minister, as no ministers from ally CPNMaoist Centre have been included in the Cabinet.
The government was formed with the support of the CPN- Maoist Centre - the third largest party in Parliament - which has 53 seats, but no Maoist ministers were part of the Cabinet during the oathtaking ceremony on Thursday, where Mr Oli was sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister for the second time.
According to sources close to the CPN- Maoist Centre, the Maoist leaders did not take oath after their demand for the portfolio of the deputy prime minister was turned down by Mr Oli.
It is learnt that CPNUML general secretary Ishwor Pokharel is eyeing the post of deputy prime minister in the new Cabinet.
Known for his pro- China stance, Oli had earlier served as the country’s prime minister from October 11, 2015 to August 3, 2016. His candidacy was supported by the CPNMaoist, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, and Madhesi Rights Forum- Democratic along with 13 small parties.
CPN- UML secured only 121 seats in the 275- member Parliament, which is short of minimum 50 per cent plus seats to garner majority support. The new government needs support from at least 138 members.
Combined strength of CPN- UML and CPNMaoist is 174, more than sufficient to form a government. But Mr Oli needs to win a vote of confidence in Parliament within a month.