UML, Maoist Centre warn PM Deuba

Kathmandu, October 12

The CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre today warned Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba not to remove ministers from the CPN-MC or postpone the scheduled elections.

During a meeting of the three top leaders held at the prime minister’s official residence in Baluawatar, UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and CPN-MC Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal reminded the PM about the constitutional provision and election code of conduct, which  did not allow him to reshuffle the Cabinet.

They told the PM he could remove ministers of the ruling coalition partner only on the recommendation of the respective parties as per the constitution, according to UML Deputy Parliamentary Party leader Subas Chandra Nembang.  He said the UML and CPN-MC leaders told the PM that the country would plunge into constitutional as well as political crisis if elections were not held on the stipulated dates.

The PM, in response, said he was committed to holding elections on the stipulated dates. “The PM told us he would follow the election code of conduct, but did not say anything about his plan to reshuffle the Cabinet,” said Nembang. He said the senior leaders of the three parties agreed to pass the Bill on Formation of the National Assembly and hold a meeting tomorrow.

The PM had called the meeting on the request of CPN-MC Chair Dahal. NC leaders Ramchandra Paudel, CPN-UML leaders Madhav Kumar Nepal and CPN-MC leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha were present at the meeting.