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Yadav to invite Maoists to form government

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s President Ram Baran Yadav is likely to request the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) to form the new government.

The Nepali Congress (NC) spokesperson, Arjun Narsingh K.C., said Dr. Yadav would request the Maoists as they ‘deserve’ to head the government.

Talking to The Hindu, Mr. Arjun Narsingh said the NC has not decided to join the coalition.

“[The] majority of our leaders think that we should stay out,” he said. On Saturday, the NC’s central committee met at the Prime Minister’s office. Meanwhile, Dr. Yadav also started consulting leaders of various parties as well as legal experts to discuss the procedures to form the government. Madhesi Janadhikar Forum chairman Upendra Yadav, who met Dr. Yadav, on Saturday said he told the President the government should be headed by the Maoists.

The Maoists had earlier put forward three conditions if they were to join the government and had demanded that they be allowed to stay in power for two years.

Dr. Yadav made his first public appearance on Saturday to observe ‘Bhotojatra’ festival at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur district.

Earlier, the festival used to be observed by the erstwhile royal family.

Dr. Yadav requested the citizens to maintain unity to draft a new Constitution, and change the fate of Nepal. He said: “To establish peace in the country, ensure social justice and rule of law, inclusive democracy will play a vital role.” He also expressed hope the new government would formulate policies and programmes designed for everyone’s welfare.

He, however, did not mention who would head the government.

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