Four ministers to be inducted today, cabinet yet to assume full-shape

KATHMANDU: The government is making preparations to induct four more members to the Cabinet today. With this, speculations of the Cabinet assuming a full-shape on Monday has come to a rest, at least for a while.

The latest development unfolded after the possibility of the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal joining the government increased, on the assurance of the left leaders to make consensual amendments to the constitution.

There will be slight changes in the portfolio allotment and the previously agreed number of ministries to be shared by the coalition partners in the wake of recent developments.

The most interesting aspect of the new development is the name of former Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank and former Vice-chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr Yuvaraj Khatiwada's name doing rounds as one of the probable ministers from CPN-UML.

UML leader Ishwar Pokhrel will lead the UML ministers in the Cabinet.

Likewise, from the Maoist Centre, Ram Bahadur Thapa and Matrika Yadav would be appointed as ministers today.

Meanwhile, the ruling coalition is also in talks with Rastriya Janata Party in a bid to offer them space in the government.

With FSFN joining the coalition, the government will secure a two-thirds majority and should the RJP-N join in, it should be a comfortable one.

Sheetal Niwas, the official residence of the President, is making preparations for the swearing-in ceremony of the new ministers.