Finally, wrangling over ministries ends

Finally, wrangling over ministries ends
Nepal makes political history :Interim Parliament appointed Girija Prasad Koirala as the Prime Minister --No role for the 238 old monarchy By HT
Monday April 2, 01:57 AM
Nepal made a political history on Sunday as the Interim Parliament appointed Girija Prasad Koirala as the Prime Minister of the interim government. This is for the first time in Nepal's political history that the monarch, who recently lost the status of Head of State, did not administer the oath of office to the members of the cabinet.

Koirala assumed the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal for the sixth time. As soon as parliament session began at around 12.40 p.m., Speaker Subhas Kumar Nemwang read out the PM's resignation and the proposal by the eight-party to re-appoint Koirala as the leader of interim government. Sepali Congress leader Ananda Prasad Dhungana's proposed Koirala as new Prime Minister, which was supported by six MPs. The House then unanimously approved Koirala as the new Prime Minister.

For the first time in Nepal's history, Koirala took the oath of office in Parliament. Generally, the swearing-in ceremony of Nepal's cabinet is administered by the King and is held in the Narayanhity Palace. Koirala thanked all MPs and urged for cooperation to run the new government. He also assured the MPs of improved law and order situation in the country. Playing the dual role of Head of State, Koirala administered the oath of office to the 21 members of new cabinet at the hall at National Planning Commission Secretariat in Singhdurbar, the administrative seat of Nepal.

Sixteen cabinet ministers and five ministers of state were sworn-in. Koirala chaired the first meeting of the interim cabinet at Singh durbar before leaving for New Delhi. "This is a positive political development in Nepal," Prakash Man Singh, vice-president of Nepali Congress (Democratic) said.Man Singh said the top-most agenda of the new eight party-led coalition government is holding the election to the Constituent Assembly. "The constituent assembly would now draft the political future of the country," he said.

The Nepali Congress (D) leader also said that all the eight parties in the interim government would now try to maintain law and order to allow the country towards economic development and prosperity. Almost all the countries from across the globe, including the US, have welcomed the formation of interim government, and described it as a step forward in restoration of peace and democracy.

"This is a historical day in the formation of New Nepal," Maoist Chairman Prachanda said, adding that first priority of his party is to hold elections successfully. "Once we entered mainstream politics following the ceasefire, we were prepared to form a New Nepal. So, we have come prepared to shoulder responsibilities for the sake of the nation," he said.