Biratnagar, June 1

Nepal Communist Party Co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal today said that he will become the prime minister after one year, on the basis of agreement between him and the other Co-chair KP Sharma Oli as well as the party’s decision.

Talking to mediapersons at Biratnagar airport, Dahal held that he would become the prime minister on the basis of the power-sharing agreement he and Prime Minister Oli had signed to merge the then CPN-Maoist Centre and CPN-UML, to form the NCP.

The fourth point of the deal states that the two co-chairs of the party will lead the government on the basis of equality and for equal period.

He, however, said that his assuming the post of prime minister would depend on circumstances unfolding at the time.

Dahal pledged to implement agreements signed during the party’s unification with sincerity.

Dahal’s claim for the top executive job has created a wave in the ruling party.

Journalists had quizzed Prime Minister Oli in the Indian capital New Delhi on his stepping down, to pave the way for Dahal. Oli had responded in a witty manner saying that he had just 4 to 5 days left.

Dahal, however, argued that Oli’s comment was symbolic. Dahal said that the agreement was inked in the past and it was not prudent to make a hullaballoo about of it. “Prime Minister Oli has understood this well,” Dahal said.

Dahal said the party’s central secretariat would finalise responsibilities of party leaders on Monday.