On Tuesday, the Maoist party had issued an ultimatum to Khanal to give his decision on cabinet reshuffle by Wednesday morning, threatening to withdraw support to the government.[break]
The meeting was to discuss the party´s strategy as the prime minister has been reluctant in administering oath of office to the new ministers nominated by the party.
“The prime minister requested us to wait for a day or two to settle the issue. We are hopeful that the issue would be settled,” said Senior Maoist Vice-chairman Mohan Baidya.
Sources say Khanal is in a mood to administer oath to a few Maoist nominees to give the UCPN (Maoist) a “face-saver”. “But we are yet to take a decision,” said a senior UML leader.
UML Secretary Shankar Pokharel argued that his party has decided to take initiatives to implement the five-point deal, which provides for the formation of a national consensus government. “I don´t know why the prime minister is in a mood to reshuffle the cabinet. He should abide by the party decision,” said Pokharel.
The top leaders from the UCPN (Maoist) and the UML also held a brief meeting at the office of the UML-aligned trade union at Putalisadak to settle the issue.
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