The UML is sending party´s General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel and lawmaker Radha Gyawali to the government in line with its previous decision to join the government only after settling the contentious issues of new constitution. [break]
Swearing in ceremony will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, at the presidential palace in Shital Niwas.
An informal meeting of Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal, Vice chairman Bam Dev Gautam, senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal and K P Sharma Oli held on the sidelines of the meeting of three major parties and the United Democratic Front (UDMF) in the prime minister´s official residence in Baluwatar had given the names to the prime minister.
Though the parties are yet to settle portfolios, sources close to the UML said Pokharel was likely to be sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education and Gyawali as Minister for Energy. As the UML is also eyeing finance ministry, the party´s Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday is expected to settle the ministerial portfolios for the party.
Likewise, NC Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Minister Surya Man Gurung, who were sworn in earlier as ministers without portfolios, will also be assigned ministries Wednesday.
NC has been given choices of Foreign Ministry, Peace and Reconstruction Ministry and Ministry of Local Development. “We are not sending new ministers from the party tomorrow. The two leaders will represent the party in the cabinet for now,” said a top NC leader asking not to be named.
Among the 11 ministers sworn in on May 5, Maoist ministers Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Barsha Man Pun, Post Bahadur Bogati, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Dina Nath Sharma are also yet to get portfolios. Three major parties are scheduled to meet to settle the ministerial portfolio before the swearing in ceremony.
Related story
UML's Pokharel continues to lead in Chitwan-2 with 3,254 votes
