Prime Minister Nepal under his own party's pressure to resign

POST REPORT

KATHMANDU, March 31

Pressure continues to mount on Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal from within his party to clear the deck for a national consensus government.

 

While Nepal busied himself the whole day in meeting the leaders of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Loktantrik) and Tarai Madhes Lokatantrik Party (TMLP) and Sadbhawana Party, his party members continued to collect signatures demanding him "to make environment for a national consensus government".

 

The number of signatories to the call from UML Constituent Assembly members has increased from yesterday's 55 to 70, said UML CC member Yogesh Bhattarai. He, however, said the number of CC members joining the call has not increased from yesterday's 70.

 

Sources close to the Prime minister said, with the pressure continuing to mount, Nepal has also started mulling over a number of alternatives, including an address to the nation to clear the air. Party sources said the recent consultations are part of Nepal’s “last ditch effort” to garner support for the continuation of his government before making any announcement.

"The prime minister is mulling over a number of alternatives, including an official statement, a press meet or an address to the nation to clear the air within a couple of days. But before this, he will read the minds of the coalition partners. He will also appeal the parties once more to assist the government," said a close aide of the prime minister.

 

"We have been also holding inter-party and intra-party discussions in choosing the leaders of the next government. Once there is an agreement on the leadership, the national consensus government will be formed. Even the prime minister has agreed to open ways for the same if the parties give an alternative leadership on consensus." (Taken from TKP, April 1, 2010)