292 lawmakers bat for UML

KATHMANDU: Even as the the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML leaders are busy soliciting support for the formation of the new government, caretaker Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is determined to foil their efforts.

UML Secretary Shankar Pokharel, however, expressed optimism. Speaking at an interaction

here today Pokharel said, “We will be able to garner majority support in the Constituent Assembly, as 292 lawmakers have already signed in our support.” Stating that 22 parties were ready to support

the democratic alliance to form the new government, he said, “UML is confident that the MJF would join the government.”

Nepali Congress leader Prakash Saran Mahat opined that since there was no possibility of a government led by Maoists, Madhav Kumar Nepal was the only option. He said he was confident that Nepal would become the second Prime Minister of federal republic of Nepal. Jitendra Prasad Sonar of the Tarai Madhes Democratic Party said the democratic alliance was the need of the hour. “United Democratic Madhes Front has given the nod to Nepal to lead the government. However, Ganesh Shah, president of CPN-United said, “We are yet to decide whether or not to join the new government.”

Chairman of CPN (ML), CP Mainali, expressed

confidence about the formation of the new government led by Madhav Nepal. He said, “We have made considerable progress in favour of Nepal.” Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, a UCPN-Maoist leader, however, ruled out the possibility of a government led by Madhav Kumar Nepal.

“There is no meaning in forming a new government unless the President corrects his move.”