Pradip Nepal against UML joining govt

Former education minister Pradip Nepal has stated he has launched campaign within his party, the CPN (UML), to not join the new government led by the Maoists even as Maoists have agreed to keep UML second in hierarchy.

Speaking at the Reporters' Club Monday, Nepal said UML ministers would face trouble under Maoist leadership, citing the failure of Maoist leadership to work according to the commitments made in the past, as one of the reasons.

He opined that there was no need of strengthening majority government since the efforts for consensus government had failed.

Speaking at the same function, chief of CPN (Maoist) foreign relation department CP Gajurel said his party is ready to include UML in the government with the second portfolio in the cabinet.

Interestingly, Gajurel mentioned that it was the mistake on part of his party in delaying to keep UML team leader for the government, Bam Dev Gautam, in second hierarchy.

UML's proposed ministers abstained from taking oath of office on Friday as the Maoist refused to keep Gautam in second position in hierarchy. nepalnews.com ia Aug 25 08