KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 16

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said national consensus is imperative for the president.

At a press meet organized in Surkhet today, DPM Shrestha viewed as it was in the prime minister's election, consensus among all political parties is imperative for the president's election too. He however said it was not intended to change the present coalition.

The president election is being held on March 11. The national consensus is required for it, DPM Shrestha added. 'We're clear that untoward situation should not emerge because of us. Ninety nine percent of lawmakers voted for the present government in the House of Representatives. It was a historic moment that most of the parties voted for present PM,' he added.

According to him, that very support the PM got during floor test created atmosphere for the national consensus.

Holding president's election by incorporating all parties' aspiration is the present need, he said, adding that efforts were on to elect the president based on national consensus to be forged by all political parties.