POKHARA: Defence Minister Vidhya Bhandari today said that one should not be caught by surprise if the UML-led government was toppled.

Speaking at a press meet she said, “ As no party has a majority in the CA, it would not be a surprise if the present coalition falls apart.” Stating that the 22 parties in the coalition had to move ahead on the basis of consensus, she also hinted at the possibility of change in the portfolios.

Claiming that the government would take a complete shape soon, Bhandari said government formation had been delayed due to internal discussions within the parties. She accused the Maoists of continuing violence after stepping out of the government. “The Maoists had to step down as they could not move ahead on the basis of onsensus.”Stating that the Maoist combatants would be managed as per the previous agreements, Minister Bhandari emphasised that the issue ought to be settled before the new constitution was promulgated. “ Management of PLA has been delayed as the Army Integration Special Committee has not been able to meet,” Bhandari said, adding, “It is likely that the Committee might undergo some changes.”

GPK’s decision hurts NC leaders

Surkhet: Senior leaders of Nepali Congress (NC) Ram Chandra Poudel and Sushil Koirala expressed dissatisfaction at party president Girija Prasad Koirala’s decision to send the NC team to the Cabinet under the leadership of Sujata Koirala.

Talking to mediapersons on Thursday, acting president Koirala said, “We have no disagreement that the party should join the government. Our concern is about who heads the team of NC ministers.” He dismissed reports that he would resign if Sujata led the team.

Deputy president Poudel said, “President Koirala proposed Sujata Koirala without the decision of the party.”

The NC veterans were on their way to attend the condolence meet of two of their party cadres. Umakanta Hamal of Jumla and Mukti Prasad Gautam, district president, Kalikot, were beaten to death some days ago.

Finance minister Surendra Pandey said CPN-UML was trying to bring the UCPN-Maoist to the government. Responding to a query, he said he would continue to hold the portfolio for finance.