Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, co-chairman of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal, said on Friday that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was adamant in dividing the party amid serious differences between them over the power-sharing agreement.

Nepal: Prachanda hits out at PM KP Sharma Oli

"Oli inciting party workers against me," says Nepal's Former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda

A report claims that leaders within Nepal's ruling party - KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal are close to a deal. But, this is an uneasy truce. In a statement to the press in Nepal, A Chinese diplomat said that Ambassador Hou Yanqi "didn't wish to see the Nepal Communist Party in trouble".

Gravitas: Nepal: A wobbly truce between Prachanda and KP Sharma Oli

Nepal PM addresses the nation, plays down dissent in the party. KP Sharma Oli focuses on nationalism amid the political rift. Watch this video to know more.

Nepal PM addresses the nation, plays down dissent in the party

The standing committee meeting of Nepalese Communist Party (NCP) was postponed yet again for one week. Nepal's ruling communist party appeared to be heading for a split as Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and party executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' failed to iron out their differences despite holding over half-a-dozen meetings in a week.

Nepal: Standing committee meeting postponed once again

The crucial talks between embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and the ruling Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on the issue of power-sharing failed on Sunday, but they agreed to meet again on Monday to sort out their differences ahead of the party's powerful Standing Committee meeting.

The Prachanda faction, backed by senior leaders including Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal, has been demanding Prime Minister Oli's resignation.

The two leaders failed to reach any agreement as both stuck to their respective stands, said a source close to Prime Minister Oli.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-pm-kp-sharma-oli-asks-cabinet-ministers-to-stand-by-him-310928">Also watch|&nbsp;Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli asks cabinet ministers to stand by him</a>

However, they have agreed to meet again for dialogue on Monday ahead of the scheduled Standing Committee meeting to sort out their differences, a senior minister told PTI.

"The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues but no common ground was reached," he said.

The twice postponed powerful Standing Committee meeting of the party on Monday is expected to decide on the political future of the 68-year-old prime minister.

On Saturday, a crucial meeting of the 45-member Standing Committee was postponed until Monday to allow more time for the top leadership to iron out their differences over Oli's style of functioning and anti-India statements.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-ruling-nepal-communist-party-impasse-continues-310835">Also read|&nbsp;Nepal: Ruling Nepal Communist Party impasse continues</a>

Meanwhile, Oli has met with the opposition Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba. Although it is not clear what issues were discussed during their meeting, there is speculation that Oli might have sought Deuba's backing to save his government in case the ruling party splits.

On Saturday, Oli said that the ruling communist party is facing a grave crisis, indicating that it may split soon. 
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Cabinet, Oli told the ministers that "some of our party members are also trying to remove President Bidya Devi Bhandari from the power,"&nbsp;My Republica quoted a senior leader as saying. 
"Now, conspiracies are being hatched to remove me from the post of prime minister and party chairman,"&nbsp;Oli said, adding that he will not let it happen.

At least three ministers contested Oli's statements about the conspiracy to impeach the President.

"Ministers including Barshaman Pun, Ghanashyam Bhusal and Parbat Gurung had urged the prime minister that the two party chairs, who are responsible for the party unity, should find a way to resolve the ongoing conflict," said a state minister.

"Bhusal urged the prime minister not to get swayed by unverified information. Pun said that the prime minister should not reach an early conclusion on such matters."

After Oli's remarks, three former prime ministers -- 'Prachanda', Madhav Nepal and Jhanalanth Khanal -- met Bhandari and clarified that the rumour about the NCP leaders trying to remove her from office were untrue.

"The President is an institution. Let's not drag the institution into controversy for our self-interest. Let's not spread rumours about impeaching the President,"&nbsp;NCP spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha wrote on Twitter.

During the Cabinet meeting, a defiant Oli said that he will not be forced to accept the party's Standing Committee decision. He urged the ministers to make their position clear whether they support him or not.

"I had to make a quick decision to prorogue the budget session of Parliament last week after coming to know that some of our party members were hatching conspiracy to register an impeachment motion against the President at Parliament," Oli told the ministers.

Prior to the Cabinet meeting, Oli held a one-on-one meeting with President Bhandari at her office in Maharajgunj. 
The intra-party rift in the NCP is at its peak after majority of the party's Standing Committee members and Central Secretariat members demanded Oli's immediate resignation from the post of Prime Minister and party chairman, accusing the government of failing to live up to the people's expectations.

Oli has accused Prachanda of non-cooperation in running the government while he is accusing the prime minister of imposing hegemony in the party.

Prime Minister Oli last week claimed that there have been various kinds of activities in the "embassies and hotels" to remove him from power.

He said some Nepalese leaders were also involved in the plot after his government redrew the country's political map by incorporating three strategically key Indian territories -- Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura.

Raising baseless accusations against India and leaders of his own party by the Prime Minister was not appropriate, a senior leader of the party quoted Prachanda as saying during the Standing Committee meeting last week.

Prachanda has time and again spoken about the lack of coordination between the government and the party and he was pressing for a one-man one position system to be followed by the NCP.

In May 2018, when Oli and Dahal announced formation of the Nepal Communist Party, they had reached a gentleman's agreement to lead the government in turn, two-and-a-half years each.

But according to the November 2019 agreement, Oli would lead the government for the full five-year term and Dahal would run the party as "executive chairman".

Dahal has maintained that Oli failed to uphold the spirit of the November 2019 agreement, hence he should abide by the May 2018 gentleman's agreement, making way for him to lead the government.

The crucial talks between embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and the ruling Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on the issue of power-sharing failed on Sunday, but they agreed to meet again on Monday to sort out their differences ahead of the party's powerful Standing Committee meeting.

The crucial talks between embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and the ruling Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on the issue of power-sharing failed on Sunday, but they agreed to meet again on Monday to sort out their differences ahead of the party's powerful Standing Committee meeting. The Prachanda faction, backed by senior leaders including Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal, has been demanding Prime Minister Oli's resignation. The two leaders failed to reach any agreement as both stuck to their respective stands, said a source close to Prime Minister Oli. Also watch| Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli asks cabinet ministers to stand by him However, they have agreed to meet again for dialogue on Monday ahead of the scheduled Standing Committee meeting to sort out their differences, a senior minister told PTI. "The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues but no common ground was reached," he said. The twice postponed powerful Standing Committee meeting of the party on Monday is expected to decide on the political future of the 68-year-old prime minister. On Saturday, a crucial meeting of the 45-member Standing Committee was postponed until Monday to allow more time for the top leadership to iron out their differences over Oli's style of functioning and anti-India statements. Also read| Nepal: Ruling Nepal Communist Party impasse continues Meanwhile, Oli has met with the opposition Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba. Although it is not clear what issues were discussed during their meeting, there is speculation that Oli might have sought Deuba's backing to save his government in case the ruling party splits. On Saturday, Oli said that the ruling communist party is facing a grave crisis, indicating that it may split soon. Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Cabinet, Oli told the ministers that "some of our party members are also trying to remove President Bidya Devi Bhandari from the power," My Republica quoted a senior leader as saying. "Now, conspiracies are being hatched to remove me from the post of prime minister and party chairman," Oli said, adding that he will not let it happen. At least three ministers contested Oli's statements about the conspiracy to impeach the President. "Ministers including Barshaman Pun, Ghanashyam Bhusal and Parbat Gurung had urged the prime minister that the two party chairs, who are responsible for the party unity, should find a way to resolve the ongoing conflict," said a state minister. "Bhusal urged the prime minister not to get swayed by unverified information. Pun said that the prime minister should not reach an early conclusion on such matters." After Oli's remarks, three former prime ministers -- 'Prachanda', Madhav Nepal and Jhanalanth Khanal -- met Bhandari and clarified that the rumour about the NCP leaders trying to remove her from office were untrue. "The President is an institution. Let's not drag the institution into controversy for our self-interest. Let's not spread rumours about impeaching the President," NCP spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha wrote on Twitter. During the Cabinet meeting, a defiant Oli said that he will not be forced to accept the party's Standing Committee decision. He urged the ministers to make their position clear whether they support him or not. "I had to make a quick decision to prorogue the budget session of Parliament last week after coming to know that some of our party members were hatching conspiracy to register an impeachment motion against the President at Parliament," Oli told the ministers. Prior to the Cabinet meeting, Oli held a one-on-one meeting with President Bhandari at her office in Maharajgunj. The intra-party rift in the NCP is at its peak after majority of the party's Standing Committee members and Central Secretariat members demanded Oli's immediate resignation from the post of Prime Minister and party chairman, accusing the government of failing to live up to the people's expectations. Oli has accused Prachanda of non-cooperation in running the government while he is accusing the prime minister of imposing hegemony in the party. Prime Minister Oli last week claimed that there have been various kinds of activities in the "embassies and hotels" to remove him from power. He said some Nepalese leaders were also involved in the plot after his government redrew the country's political map by incorporating three strategically key Indian territories -- Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura. Raising baseless accusations against India and leaders of his own party by the Prime Minister was not appropriate, a senior leader of the party quoted Prachanda as saying during the Standing Committee meeting last week. Prachanda has time and again spoken about the lack of coordination between the government and the party and he was pressing for a one-man one position system to be followed by the NCP. In May 2018, when Oli and Dahal announced formation of the Nepal Communist Party, they had reached a gentleman's agreement to lead the government in turn, two-and-a-half years each. But according to the November 2019 agreement, Oli would lead the government for the full five-year term and Dahal would run the party as "executive chairman". Dahal has maintained that Oli failed to uphold the spirit of the November 2019 agreement, hence he should abide by the May 2018 gentleman's agreement, making way for him to lead the government.

Oli-Prachanda power-sharing talks fail; both agree to meet again on Monday

The Nepalese government has decided to provoke the Parliament during the ongoing budget session. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is now facing the toughest crisis of his political career. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: PM Oli's anti-India rhetoric backfires, Will Jingoism lead to PM Oli's fall

Pressure mounts on Napalese PM: Rift between PM Sharma Oli and Prachanda

As per sources, Oli has been advised by his aides in Nepal Communist Party (NCP) to reach out to the rival faction in an attempt to win their confidence.

Nepalese PM K.P Sharma Oli battles to save his govt | Nepal Top News | Prachanda

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj met former Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal here on Friday.

The minister, who reached Kathmandu on Thursday, met <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-oli-most-likely-next-pm-wins-parliament-seat-26385" target="_blank">Chairman of CPN-UML K.P Sharma Oli</a> in her first engagement and congratulated him on his party`s victory in the recent elections. &quot;The two held wide ranging discussions on ways to take the special relationship between India and Nepal forward,&quot; EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had tweeted.

Swaraj is on a two-day official visit to Nepal in an effort to reach out to the country`s political leadership ahead of the formation of a new government by a Communist alliance.

This is Swaraj`s seventh visit to Nepal since assuming office in May 2014. However this is her first visit to Nepal after the three-tier elections ended here in December.

The timing of the visit comes at a time when India wants to improve its relations with Oli and his party, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) (CPN-UML).

Relations between the two sides are often described as &quot;patchy&quot;, where Oli criticised India`s constant hindrance over Nepal`s new constitution in 2015, which did not recognise the rights of the Madhesis.

On January 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Oli and congratulated him in advance on his win in the just-concluded Nepal elections and invited each other to visit their respective countries.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister is on a two-day visit to the country

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj met former Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal here on Friday. The minister, who reached Kathmandu on Thursday, met Chairman of CPN-UML K.P Sharma Oli in her first engagement and congratulated him on his party`s victory in the recent elections. "The two held wide ranging discussions on ways to take the special relationship between India and Nepal forward," EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had tweeted. Swaraj is on a two-day official visit to Nepal in an effort to reach out to the country`s political leadership ahead of the formation of a new government by a Communist alliance. This is Swaraj`s seventh visit to Nepal since assuming office in May 2014. However this is her first visit to Nepal after the three-tier elections ended here in December. The timing of the visit comes at a time when India wants to improve its relations with Oli and his party, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) (CPN-UML). Relations between the two sides are often described as "patchy", where Oli criticised India`s constant hindrance over Nepal`s new constitution in 2015, which did not recognise the rights of the Madhesis. On January 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Oli and congratulated him in advance on his win in the just-concluded Nepal elections and invited each other to visit their respective countries.

Sushma Swaraj calls on Prachanda in Nepal

Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday called all political parties to elect a new Prime Minister within seven days through consensus, a day after Prachanda resigned from the post.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
President Bhandari accepted Prachanda&#39;s resignation and asked him to continue as caretaker Prime Minister till his successor is elected.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The President has called upon the political parties representing the Legislative Parliament to elect a new Prime Minister and form a council of ministers under his or her leadership, said a notice issued by the Nepalese President&#39;s office.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&#39;Prachanda&#39; resigned to honour a power-sharing deal with ruling coalition partner, Nepali Congress, to hand over the country&#39;s leadership to the largest party in Parliament.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
His resignation clears the way for his former political rival and Nepali Congress president, Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is expected to take over as the prime minister.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Deuba&#39;s appointment is likely to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote within the next 10 days.&nbsp; 
 
The Nepali Congress, the largest party in Parliament and constituents of the United Democratic Madhesi Front, the Federal Alliance, and some other parties had helped Prachanda in securing 363 votes in the 595-member House to form the government comfortably in 2016.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
During the formation of the government, the chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) had reached an understanding with Deuba that he will step down as prime minister and hand over the leadership to the Nepali Congress after nine months.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The pact was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018. &nbsp; 
 
(WION with agency input)

 
&nbsp;

President Bidya Devi Bhandari asked parties to elect a new prime minister through consensus, a day after Prachanda resigned from the post

Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday called all political parties to elect a new Prime Minister within seven days through consensus, a day after Prachanda resigned from the post. President Bhandari accepted Prachanda's resignation and asked him to continue as caretaker Prime Minister till his successor is elected. The President has called upon the political parties representing the Legislative Parliament to elect a new Prime Minister and form a council of ministers under his or her leadership, said a notice issued by the Nepalese President's office. 'Prachanda' resigned to honour a power-sharing deal with ruling coalition partner, Nepali Congress, to hand over the country's leadership to the largest party in Parliament. His resignation clears the way for his former political rival and Nepali Congress president, Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is expected to take over as the prime minister. Deuba's appointment is likely to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote within the next 10 days. The Nepali Congress, the largest party in Parliament and constituents of the United Democratic Madhesi Front, the Federal Alliance, and some other parties had helped Prachanda in securing 363 votes in the 595-member House to form the government comfortably in 2016. During the formation of the government, the chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) had reached an understanding with Deuba that he will step down as prime minister and hand over the leadership to the Nepali Congress after nine months. The pact was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018. (WION with agency input)

Elect new PM in seven days, Nepal President tells political parties

Nepal&#39;s prime minister resigned Wednesday as part of a planned handover to a former political foe who will be the impoverished nation&#39;s tenth leader since the end of the civil war in 2006.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who led the decade-long Maoist insurgency before entering politics, is expected to be succeeded by three-time former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who heads the main party in the current coalition government.

&quot;I announce my resignation from the post of the prime minister today,&nbsp;right now, with a pledge to continue being active for the upliftment of the country and the people as a politician, parliamentarian and a citizen,&quot; Dahal said in a televised speech in which he catalogued his government&#39;s achievements.

Dahal, who still goes by his nom de guerre&nbsp;Prachanda, or &quot;fierce one&quot;, had promised to step down after holding local elections as part of the agreement that brought him to power last August.

Local elections were held in three of the country&#39;s seven provinces 10 days ago.

Deuba&#39;s appointment is expected to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote within the next 10 days.

Dahal, 62, came to power after withdrawing support from the then-government and realigning his Maoist party with Deuba&#39;s centre-right Nepali Congress.

It was an uncomfortable alliance -- at the height of the civil war Deuba, then prime minister, had announced a five million rupee ($50,000) bounty for Dahal&#39;s capture, dead or alive.

(AFP)

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Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who led the decade-long Maoist insurgency before entering politics, is expected to be succeeded by three-time former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba (WION)
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Prachanda had promised to step down after holding local elections as part of the agreement that brought him to power last August

Nepal's prime minister resigned Wednesday as part of a planned handover to a former political foe who will be the impoverished nation's tenth leader since the end of the civil war in 2006. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who led the decade-long Maoist insurgency before entering politics, is expected to be succeeded by three-time former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who heads the main party in the current coalition government. "I announce my resignation from the post of the prime minister today, right now, with a pledge to continue being active for the upliftment of the country and the people as a politician, parliamentarian and a citizen," Dahal said in a televised speech in which he catalogued his government's achievements. Dahal, who still goes by his nom de guerre Prachanda, or "fierce one", had promised to step down after holding local elections as part of the agreement that brought him to power last August. Local elections were held in three of the country's seven provinces 10 days ago. Deuba's appointment is expected to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote within the next 10 days. Dahal, 62, came to power after withdrawing support from the then-government and realigning his Maoist party with Deuba's centre-right Nepali Congress. It was an uncomfortable alliance -- at the height of the civil war Deuba, then prime minister, had announced a five million rupee ($50,000) bounty for Dahal's capture, dead or alive. (AFP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who led the decade-long Maoist insurgency before entering politics, is expected to be succeeded by three-time former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba (WION) ×

Nepal PM Prachanda resigns, Sher Bahadur Deuba likely to succeed

Nepal`s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal pledged on Friday that amendments to the country&#39;s divisive constitution would be presented to parliament within a month as he attempted to stave off fresh political turmoil in the quake-hit nation.

The Himalayan nation was rocked by months-long protests and a border blockade by demonstrators unhappy with the terms of the constitution adopted in September last year.

Marking his first 100 days in office, Maoist leader Dahal, who is better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda or &quot;the fierce one&quot;, said that addressing the demands of the protesting parties was his top priority.&nbsp;

&quot;The constitutional amendment proposal has been prepared and we are trying to garner agreement on it,&quot; Dahal told reporters.

&quot;The amendment proposal will be registered at the parliament within a month.&quot;

Failure to make progress on the changes to charter felled previous prime minister K P&nbsp;Sharma Oli who resigned minutes before facing a no-confidence vote in parliament in July.

Kathmandu has shuffled through three prime ministers since it adopted the new constitution and Oli&#39;s rule came to an abrupt end after former Maoist rebels deserted his fractious coalition, accusing him of reneging on past deals.

&quot;The recent talks have been positive, but we want to see results,&quot; said Rajendra Shrestha of the Federal Socialist Forum, part of an alliance that represents the protesting parties.&nbsp;

&quot;If the government keeps missing deadlines, we will be compelled to take to the streets again,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

The new charter, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to bolster Nepal&#39;s transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability.

But ongoing discussions between the government and protesters over the charter,particularly over the rights of different ethnic groups, have failed to yield agreement.

More than 50 people have died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(AFP)

Failure to make progress on the changes to charter felled previous prime minister K P?Sharma Oli

Nepal`s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal pledged on Friday that amendments to the country's divisive constitution would be presented to parliament within a month as he attempted to stave off fresh political turmoil in the quake-hit nation. The Himalayan nation was rocked by months-long protests and a border blockade by demonstrators unhappy with the terms of the constitution adopted in September last year. Marking his first 100 days in office, Maoist leader Dahal, who is better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda or "the fierce one", said that addressing the demands of the protesting parties was his top priority. "The constitutional amendment proposal has been prepared and we are trying to garner agreement on it," Dahal told reporters. "The amendment proposal will be registered at the parliament within a month." Failure to make progress on the changes to charter felled previous prime minister K P Sharma Oli who resigned minutes before facing a no-confidence vote in parliament in July. Kathmandu has shuffled through three prime ministers since it adopted the new constitution and Oli's rule came to an abrupt end after former Maoist rebels deserted his fractious coalition, accusing him of reneging on past deals. "The recent talks have been positive, but we want to see results," said Rajendra Shrestha of the Federal Socialist Forum, part of an alliance that represents the protesting parties. "If the government keeps missing deadlines, we will be compelled to take to the streets again," he said. The new charter, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to bolster Nepal's transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. But ongoing discussions between the government and protesters over the charter,particularly over the rights of different ethnic groups, have failed to yield agreement. More than 50 people have died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised. (AFP)

Nepal PM vows to present amendments to divisive constitution within a month

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday assured a resolution to the five-month long Madhesi protests and the shortage of essential supplies in the land-locked country.&nbsp; 
 
Dahal refrained from giving a timeline to resolve the issue but said the government will ensure that the legitimate demands of the Madhesi community are accommodated within the framework of the Constitution.&nbsp; 
 
On the third day of his visit to New Delhi, Dahal told reporters, &quot;After the formation of the new government, we have started conversations with madhesi morcha, janjanati leaders and others in a very cordial and positive environment to bring consent among the parties. I think within some time the problem will be solved.&quot; 
 
Before coming to India, the Prime Minister held a discussion with leaders from the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and Federal Alliance (FA).&nbsp; 
 
PM Dahal had claimed that the government will register a constitution amendment proposal at the Legislature-Parliament. 
 
He said the Nepalese government was holding sincere talks with the community and he was confident that the Constitution will emerge as a historical achievement for all sections. 
 
&quot;We are holding talks with them (Madhesis). Before coming here, we had a meeting with them. Talks are going forward in a cordial environment. I am confident that a positive solution to the problem will be found soon,&quot; Dahal said.&nbsp; 
 
The Madhesis had alleged that certain provisions of the newly-adopted Constitution politically marginalised the community. The protests that stretched for almost five months had led to the closure of key trading points with India.&nbsp; 
 
The mostly Indian origin community had sought New Delhi&#39;s intervention on the issue. But Dahal asserted that amendment to their Constitution is an internal process.&nbsp; 
 
He said &quot;I have never seen Madhesi agitation by linking it with anyone. I was also leader of Madhesi protest.&quot; 
 
Dahal termed his visit to India a success, saying there is a convergence between India&#39;s neighbourhood first policy and his government&#39;s top priority in improving ties with the neighbours. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal said his government is willing to accommodate legitimate demands of the Madhesi community

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday assured a resolution to the five-month long Madhesi protests and the shortage of essential supplies in the land-locked country. Dahal refrained from giving a timeline to resolve the issue but said the government will ensure that the legitimate demands of the Madhesi community are accommodated within the framework of the Constitution. On the third day of his visit to New Delhi, Dahal told reporters, "After the formation of the new government, we have started conversations with madhesi morcha, janjanati leaders and others in a very cordial and positive environment to bring consent among the parties. I think within some time the problem will be solved." Before coming to India, the Prime Minister held a discussion with leaders from the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and Federal Alliance (FA). PM Dahal had claimed that the government will register a constitution amendment proposal at the Legislature-Parliament. He said the Nepalese government was holding sincere talks with the community and he was confident that the Constitution will emerge as a historical achievement for all sections. "We are holding talks with them (Madhesis). Before coming here, we had a meeting with them. Talks are going forward in a cordial environment. I am confident that a positive solution to the problem will be found soon," Dahal said. The Madhesis had alleged that certain provisions of the newly-adopted Constitution politically marginalised the community. The protests that stretched for almost five months had led to the closure of key trading points with India. The mostly Indian origin community had sought New Delhi's intervention on the issue. But Dahal asserted that amendment to their Constitution is an internal process. He said "I have never seen Madhesi agitation by linking it with anyone. I was also leader of Madhesi protest." Dahal termed his visit to India a success, saying there is a convergence between India's neighbourhood first policy and his government's top priority in improving ties with the neighbours. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Solution to Madhesi protests in sight: Nepal Prime Minister Dahal

Nepal&#39;s Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda sent one of his trusted lieutenants from the insurgency period as a special envoy to China on Monday, seeking to clear confusion over the future of agreements signed by his predecessor.

The envoy, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who is a deputy premier in charge of finance and a China expert, will carry a message from Prachanda that his new government is keen to develop cordial relations with China despite recent political changes.

Prachanda, 61, who led a decade-long insurgency that ended a feudal monarchy, replaced communist KP&nbsp;Oli this month amid uncertainty about a slew of deals made by Oli during a visit to Beijing in March, including allowing Nepal to use Chinese railways, roads and ports to trade with third countries.

Those deals signaled a shift by the landlocked Himalayan nation away from its traditional reliance on overland trade with its southern neighbor India, which grew increasingly frustrated with Oli&#39;s rule.

&quot;There is no doubt that the new government will continue all positive agreements signed by the previous government,&quot; Mahara said before his departure.

Prachanda led the uprising in the name of the Chinese revolutionary leader, but it did not enjoy the overt backing of Beijing. The conflict ended in 2006 when the rebels laid down their arms under a peace deal.

Instability in the young republic - Prachanda is the eighth prime minister in as many years - has also raised doubts over a planned visit by Xi Jinping in October, which would be the first by a Chinese president in two decades.

Mahara said he was carrying an invitation from President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to the Chinese leader to come as planned.

Officials said Prachanda would send another deputy, Bimelandra Nidhi, a member of the Madhesi minority community, as an emissary to India this week to give reassurances that closer ties with Beijing would not come at the cost of New Delhi. 
 
Nepal&#39;s relations with India have remained frosty since it adopted its first republican constitution in September, triggering deadly protests by minority Madhesis in the south and leading to a border blockade the caused acute fuel shortages.

Officials said Nidhi would extend an invitation to President Pranab Mukherjee of India to visit Nepal before Xi is due to come. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited twice in 2014 but no Indian president has come since 1997.

&quot;Prachanda wants to balance ties with neighbors at the same time show to India that Nepal has not slipped out of its hands,&quot; said Guna Raj Luitel, editor of the Nagarik daily. 
 
(Reuters)

Prachanda engages in deft diplomacy to ensure clarity in China deal and erase the frostiness in India relations

Nepal's Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda sent one of his trusted lieutenants from the insurgency period as a special envoy to China on Monday, seeking to clear confusion over the future of agreements signed by his predecessor. The envoy, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who is a deputy premier in charge of finance and a China expert, will carry a message from Prachanda that his new government is keen to develop cordial relations with China despite recent political changes. Prachanda, 61, who led a decade-long insurgency that ended a feudal monarchy, replaced communist KP Oli this month amid uncertainty about a slew of deals made by Oli during a visit to Beijing in March, including allowing Nepal to use Chinese railways, roads and ports to trade with third countries. Those deals signaled a shift by the landlocked Himalayan nation away from its traditional reliance on overland trade with its southern neighbor India, which grew increasingly frustrated with Oli's rule. "There is no doubt that the new government will continue all positive agreements signed by the previous government," Mahara said before his departure. Prachanda led the uprising in the name of the Chinese revolutionary leader, but it did not enjoy the overt backing of Beijing. The conflict ended in 2006 when the rebels laid down their arms under a peace deal. Instability in the young republic - Prachanda is the eighth prime minister in as many years - has also raised doubts over a planned visit by Xi Jinping in October, which would be the first by a Chinese president in two decades. Mahara said he was carrying an invitation from President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to the Chinese leader to come as planned. Officials said Prachanda would send another deputy, Bimelandra Nidhi, a member of the Madhesi minority community, as an emissary to India this week to give reassurances that closer ties with Beijing would not come at the cost of New Delhi. Nepal's relations with India have remained frosty since it adopted its first republican constitution in September, triggering deadly protests by minority Madhesis in the south and leading to a border blockade the caused acute fuel shortages. Officials said Nidhi would extend an invitation to President Pranab Mukherjee of India to visit Nepal before Xi is due to come. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited twice in 2014 but no Indian president has come since 1997. "Prachanda wants to balance ties with neighbors at the same time show to India that Nepal has not slipped out of its hands," said Guna Raj Luitel, editor of the Nagarik daily. (Reuters)

Newly elected Nepalese PM sends envoys to balance ties with China, India

Chinese officials say trans-Himalayan railway connecting Tibet with India and Nepal is economically and technically feasible as Beijing looks to make Tibet an economic and cultural hub connecting China with South Asia. 
 
&quot;The construction of a railway crossing the Himalayan mountains is now economically and technologically feasible,&quot; Zong Gang, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Department at Beijing University of Technology, told a forum here run by the China Tibetology Research Centre. 
 
The Himalayan railway would start from Xigaze, a city in Tibet, run to Gyirong, a land port on the Chinese border, and extend into Nepal, although it would not be a high-speed railway, state-run China Daily quoted Chinese researchers as saying at the forum yesterday. 
 
China built a railway running for more than 1,100 kilometres to connect the highland region of Tibet with the rest of the country in 2006 and extended it to Xigaze with an additional 250-kilometres rail link connecting the city to Tibetan provincial capital Lhasa. 
 
China now mulls a rail link to the both Nepal and Yadong, a Tibetan county close to Sikkim border. Chinese officials say that in future it can be connected to India. 
 
The daily today published a map with railway line linking Xigaze with Yadong and Burang, both closer to Indian borders in Sikkim and Uttarakhand, and Gyirong, bordering Nepal. 
 
The altitude at Gyirong port is 2,800 metres above sea level, while the Gyirong mountain pass to Nepal lies at about 1,800 metres, making the railway geographically feasible, Zong said. 
 
In contrast, Lhasa, where China has built a railway network is about 3,700 metres above sea level and the altitude at Xigaze is about 3,800 metres. 
 
The rail line extension between Xigaze and Nepal border was agreed this year during former prime minister KP Sharma Oli&#39;s visit, who signed transit treaty with China in a bid to reduce landlocked Nepal&#39;s dependence on India for supplies. 
 
But the fall of the Oli government and the election of Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda as new Prime Minister has raised anxieties in Beijing over the return of India&#39;s influence in the Himalayan nation and the fate of a number of connectivity projects. 
 
&quot;Once Prachanda takes power, he is bound to rectify Oli&#39;s pro-China tendency when in government and take India&#39;s interests into account, as India is sour about losing its grip on Nepal,&quot; according to an article in the state-run Global Times published on July 29. 
 
&quot;The fixed agreements between China and the Oli government are unlikely to be changed, or it will deal a heavy blow to bilateral ties, which is too much for the new government to bear,&quot; it said.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

The fall of pro-Chinese Oli government in Nepal has raised anxieties in Beijing over the return of India's influence in the Himalayan nation

Chinese officials say trans-Himalayan railway connecting Tibet with India and Nepal is economically and technically feasible as Beijing looks to make Tibet an economic and cultural hub connecting China with South Asia. "The construction of a railway crossing the Himalayan mountains is now economically and technologically feasible," Zong Gang, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Department at Beijing University of Technology, told a forum here run by the China Tibetology Research Centre. The Himalayan railway would start from Xigaze, a city in Tibet, run to Gyirong, a land port on the Chinese border, and extend into Nepal, although it would not be a high-speed railway, state-run China Daily quoted Chinese researchers as saying at the forum yesterday. China built a railway running for more than 1,100 kilometres to connect the highland region of Tibet with the rest of the country in 2006 and extended it to Xigaze with an additional 250-kilometres rail link connecting the city to Tibetan provincial capital Lhasa. China now mulls a rail link to the both Nepal and Yadong, a Tibetan county close to Sikkim border. Chinese officials say that in future it can be connected to India. The daily today published a map with railway line linking Xigaze with Yadong and Burang, both closer to Indian borders in Sikkim and Uttarakhand, and Gyirong, bordering Nepal. The altitude at Gyirong port is 2,800 metres above sea level, while the Gyirong mountain pass to Nepal lies at about 1,800 metres, making the railway geographically feasible, Zong said. In contrast, Lhasa, where China has built a railway network is about 3,700 metres above sea level and the altitude at Xigaze is about 3,800 metres. The rail line extension between Xigaze and Nepal border was agreed this year during former prime minister KP Sharma Oli's visit, who signed transit treaty with China in a bid to reduce landlocked Nepal's dependence on India for supplies. But the fall of the Oli government and the election of Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda as new Prime Minister has raised anxieties in Beijing over the return of India's influence in the Himalayan nation and the fate of a number of connectivity projects. "Once Prachanda takes power, he is bound to rectify Oli's pro-China tendency when in government and take India's interests into account, as India is sour about losing its grip on Nepal," according to an article in the state-run Global Times published on July 29. "The fixed agreements between China and the Oli government are unlikely to be changed, or it will deal a heavy blow to bilateral ties, which is too much for the new government to bear," it said. (PTI)

China welcomes trans-Himalayan railway project that leaves India sidelined

Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda has been elected as Nepal&#39;s Prime Minister by 363 votes. The appointment has come in only a few days after former minister KP Oli&#39;s resignation ensued a fresh political turmoil in the country. 
 
Nepal&#39;s parliament met today in a crucial session that confirmed the former Maoist rebel chief as the Himalayan nation&#39;s new prime minister after Oli stepped down to avoid a no-confidence motion. 
 
Nepal has been mired for years in political instability, and the new leader will be its 24th prime minister after weeks of deadly protests established multi-party democracy in 1990. 
 
This is &nbsp;61-year-old Prachanda&#39;s second turn as premier after his party of former guerrilla fighters won national elections in 2008. 
 
&#39;Prachanda&#39;s appointment unlikely to end&nbsp;revolving-door politics&#39; 
 
Analysts say the return of Prachanda, who still uses his nom de guerre meaning &quot;Fierce&quot; but has lost his former &#39;Robin Hood&#39; image dating back to the insurgency, was unlikely to end the revolving-door politics that has sapped business confidence in one of the world&#39;s poorest countries. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think he will be stable,&quot; said Guna Raj Luitel, editor of the daily Nagarik. 
 
&quot;There is no agreement between parties on a basic agenda for the country. They have only agreed for convenience and there is already a deal to change the prime minister after nine months.&quot; 
 
Prachanda&#39;s confirmation was virtually assured thanks to the support of the centrist Nepali Congress, the biggest party in parliament, and an alliance of several small parties. 
 
Under a widely reported power-sharing deal, Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba is expected to take over from Prachanda before Nepal holds a general election at the beginning of 2018. Party officials have declined to comment. 
 
Frequent changes of government are blamed on politicians who are seen as selfish and power hungry, and who show little concern for the plight of Nepal&#39;s 28 million people. Nearly a quarter live on less than $2 a day. 
 
Great power rivalry 
 
Political change in Nepal, which has great potential to generate hydroelectric power, is closely watched by China and India as they vie for influence over the country that is home to Mount Everest and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. 
 
In 2008, Prachanda visited China before India, breaking a tradition of new Nepali leaders making New Delhi their first foreign port of call. 
 
During a visit in March, Oli cosied up to China with a deal to use its ports for trading goods with third countries, ruffling feathers in India which controls landlocked Nepal&#39;s main overland export route. 
 
India is blamed in Nepal for imposing a blockade on fuel and essential goods last year following protests by the Madhesi minority against Nepal&#39;s first post-monarchy constitution, an accusation India denies. 
 
The Madhesis, who mostly live on the southern plains and have historical and family ties to India, have protested against the charter saying it weakens their say in the central government by dividing their homeland into several provinces. 
 
The new leader also faces the task of rebuilding homes, roads and monuments destroyed by earthquakes that killed 9,000 people last year as well as oversee settlement of war crimes cases against the Maoists and the security forces. 
 
(Reuters)

This is ?61-year-old Prachanda's second turn as premier after his party of former guerrilla fighters won national elections in 2008

Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda has been elected as Nepal's Prime Minister by 363 votes. The appointment has come in only a few days after former minister KP Oli's resignation ensued a fresh political turmoil in the country. Nepal's parliament met today in a crucial session that confirmed the former Maoist rebel chief as the Himalayan nation's new prime minister after Oli stepped down to avoid a no-confidence motion. Nepal has been mired for years in political instability, and the new leader will be its 24th prime minister after weeks of deadly protests established multi-party democracy in 1990. This is 61-year-old Prachanda's second turn as premier after his party of former guerrilla fighters won national elections in 2008. 'Prachanda's appointment unlikely to end revolving-door politics' Analysts say the return of Prachanda, who still uses his nom de guerre meaning "Fierce" but has lost his former 'Robin Hood' image dating back to the insurgency, was unlikely to end the revolving-door politics that has sapped business confidence in one of the world's poorest countries. "I don't think he will be stable," said Guna Raj Luitel, editor of the daily Nagarik. "There is no agreement between parties on a basic agenda for the country. They have only agreed for convenience and there is already a deal to change the prime minister after nine months." Prachanda's confirmation was virtually assured thanks to the support of the centrist Nepali Congress, the biggest party in parliament, and an alliance of several small parties. Under a widely reported power-sharing deal, Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba is expected to take over from Prachanda before Nepal holds a general election at the beginning of 2018. Party officials have declined to comment. Frequent changes of government are blamed on politicians who are seen as selfish and power hungry, and who show little concern for the plight of Nepal's 28 million people. Nearly a quarter live on less than $2 a day. Great power rivalry Political change in Nepal, which has great potential to generate hydroelectric power, is closely watched by China and India as they vie for influence over the country that is home to Mount Everest and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. In 2008, Prachanda visited China before India, breaking a tradition of new Nepali leaders making New Delhi their first foreign port of call. During a visit in March, Oli cosied up to China with a deal to use its ports for trading goods with third countries, ruffling feathers in India which controls landlocked Nepal's main overland export route. India is blamed in Nepal for imposing a blockade on fuel and essential goods last year following protests by the Madhesi minority against Nepal's first post-monarchy constitution, an accusation India denies. The Madhesis, who mostly live on the southern plains and have historical and family ties to India, have protested against the charter saying it weakens their say in the central government by dividing their homeland into several provinces. The new leader also faces the task of rebuilding homes, roads and monuments destroyed by earthquakes that killed 9,000 people last year as well as oversee settlement of war crimes cases against the Maoists and the security forces. (Reuters)

Maoist chief Prachanda takes over as Nepal's 24th Prime Minister

The leader of Nepal&#39;s Maoist party appeared certain to be the next prime minister after the deadline for nominations expired on Tuesday with only his name on the ballot. 
 
Lawmakers in the Himalayan nation are due to elect a new prime minister on Wednesday after KP Sharma Oli resigned last week, minutes before facing a no-confidence motion in parliament. 
 
&quot;We have only received the nomination of Pushpa Kamal Dahal for the prime minister&#39;s post,&quot; deputy parliament spokesman Sudarshan Kuinkel told AFP, referring to the Maoist party leader. Dahal, better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda or &quot;the fierce one&quot;, led a decade-long Maoist insurgency before transforming the rebel movement into a political party after a 2006 peace deal. 
 
He has served as prime minister once before, after the Maoists won elections in 2009, but only lasted nine months in office before resigning.&nbsp;The party lost ground in the last elections in 2013 and is now only the third-biggest force in parliament. But neither of the two larger parties have enough seats to govern alone. 
 
Dahal secured the backing of the largest party, the Nepali Congress, after pulling out of Oli&#39;s coalition three weeks ago. If elected, Dahal faces the twin challenges of rebuilding the country after a devastating earthquake and resolving simmering unrest over a divisive new constitution adopted last September. 
 
Oli faced fierce criticism over his handling of protests against the charter, which triggered a months-long border blockade by demonstrators from the Madhesi ethnic minority. 
 
More than 50 people died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised. The new charter, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to bolster Nepal&#39;s transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. 
 
But continuing discussions between the government and protesters over the constitution, particularly over the rights of marginalised communities, have failed to yield an&nbsp;agreement. 
 
(AFP)

He has served as prime minister once before, after the Maoists won elections in 2009, but resigned after nine months in office

The leader of Nepal's Maoist party appeared certain to be the next prime minister after the deadline for nominations expired on Tuesday with only his name on the ballot. Lawmakers in the Himalayan nation are due to elect a new prime minister on Wednesday after KP Sharma Oli resigned last week, minutes before facing a no-confidence motion in parliament. "We have only received the nomination of Pushpa Kamal Dahal for the prime minister's post," deputy parliament spokesman Sudarshan Kuinkel told AFP, referring to the Maoist party leader. Dahal, better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda or "the fierce one", led a decade-long Maoist insurgency before transforming the rebel movement into a political party after a 2006 peace deal. He has served as prime minister once before, after the Maoists won elections in 2009, but only lasted nine months in office before resigning. The party lost ground in the last elections in 2013 and is now only the third-biggest force in parliament. But neither of the two larger parties have enough seats to govern alone. Dahal secured the backing of the largest party, the Nepali Congress, after pulling out of Oli's coalition three weeks ago. If elected, Dahal faces the twin challenges of rebuilding the country after a devastating earthquake and resolving simmering unrest over a divisive new constitution adopted last September. Oli faced fierce criticism over his handling of protests against the charter, which triggered a months-long border blockade by demonstrators from the Madhesi ethnic minority. More than 50 people died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised. The new charter, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to bolster Nepal's transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. But continuing discussions between the government and protesters over the constitution, particularly over the rights of marginalised communities, have failed to yield an agreement. (AFP)

Nepal's Maoist leader, Prachanda, set to become next prime minister

Nepal&#39;s President held talks with leaders of three main political parties today to come up with a consensus candidate for Prime Minister and try to end revolving-door politics that has seen 23 governments in 26 years. 
 
Prime Minister KP Oli, ahead of a likely defeat in a no-confidence vote in Parliament brought by his allies,former Maoist rebels, resigned on Sunday, opening up the way for a political tussle to lead the country of 28 million people. 
 
President Vidhya Devi Bhandari had invited Oli, Maoist chief Prachanda and the leader of the Nepali Congress party, Sher Bahadur Deuba, to discuss a new government, an aide to the president said. 
 
&quot;The meeting is to tell them to move ahead unitedly,&rdquo; the aide, Bhesh Raj Adhikari, said. &ldquo;The country has many problems and all major parties must unite to resolve them.&quot; 
 
In a statement, President Bhandari called on the parties to form a consensus government within a week as per the Article 298 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. 
 
Prachanda eyes comeback&nbsp; 
 
The leader of Nepal&#39;s former Maoist rebel movement looked set today for a comeback as Prime Minister after the main opposition party gave him its backing to head a new coalition. 
 
Better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda (Nepali for &quot;the fierce one&quot;), Pushpa Kamal Dahal led a decade-long insurgency in which around 16,000 people lost their lives. 
 
In 2006, he emerged from hiding to sign a peace deal with mainstream parties that paved the way for the abolition of the world&#39;s last Hindu monarchy and his own rise to power via the ballot box. 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/gettyimages-88863875-20160725025557.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
 
Pushpa Kamal Dahal&#39;s (Prachanda) decision to withdraw support for Prime Minister K P Oli has now opened up the path for his own return to the premiership, with the Nepali Congress pledging support.
</div>
 
Dahal became Nepal&#39;s first elected premier in August 2008 but his government collapsed nine months later in a row over the integration of former Maoist fighters into the army, a key tenet of the peace process. 
 
His decision to withdraw support for Oli has now opened up the path for his own return to the premiership, with the Nepali Congress pledging support. 
 
&quot;We are in consultations for the formation of a new government... Dahal will be the next prime minister, with us playing an important role,&quot; senior Nepali Congress leader Minendra Rijal said. 
 
There was no immediate reaction from Dahal but a Maoist spokeswoman, Pampha Bhusal, said that efforts would be made to bring others on board. 
 
&quot;The no-confidence motion began with an understanding between our party and the Nepali Congress, but we hope to work with other parties as well as we form the government,&quot; Bhusal said. 
 
&quot;We are ready for the President to take the formal process forward.&quot; 
 
The Nepali Congress is the largest party in the 595-seat Parliament, with 196 MPs. A tie-up with the Maoists, who have 80 seats, would leave them just short of a majority. 
 
If he does seal his comeback, one of Dahal&#39;s first key tasks will be to finally implement a new constitution and resolve protests in Nepal&#39;s southern plains. 
 
Nepal has been in a political crisis since September when a Constituent Assembly approved a new constitution amid a political row with minority Madhesis in the southern plains over the creation of federal states under the new system. 
 
Ethnic Madhesis, who have long complained of neglect by a ruling elite drawn from the hill region, said the creation of the states would marginalise them by dividing their homeland. 
 
More than 50 people have died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised. 
 
The new charter was meant to bolster Nepal&#39;s transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. 
 
But ongoing discussions between the government and protesters over the charter -- particularly over the rights of different ethnic groups -- have failed to yield agreement. 
 
Oli&#39;s communist UML party said it would not support the Maoists&#39; bid for power after they had brought down Oli&#39;s government. 
 
&quot;There is no possibility of us joining,&rdquo; senior UML official Pradip Gyawali said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll remain a strong opposition.&rdquo; 
 
(Agencies)

Nepal PM Oli's resignation has opened up way for a political tussle to lead the country of 28 million people

Nepal's President held talks with leaders of three main political parties today to come up with a consensus candidate for Prime Minister and try to end revolving-door politics that has seen 23 governments in 26 years. Prime Minister KP Oli, ahead of a likely defeat in a no-confidence vote in Parliament brought by his allies,former Maoist rebels, resigned on Sunday, opening up the way for a political tussle to lead the country of 28 million people. President Vidhya Devi Bhandari had invited Oli, Maoist chief Prachanda and the leader of the Nepali Congress party, Sher Bahadur Deuba, to discuss a new government, an aide to the president said. "The meeting is to tell them to move ahead unitedly,” the aide, Bhesh Raj Adhikari, said. “The country has many problems and all major parties must unite to resolve them." In a statement, President Bhandari called on the parties to form a consensus government within a week as per the Article 298 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Prachanda eyes comeback The leader of Nepal's former Maoist rebel movement looked set today for a comeback as Prime Minister after the main opposition party gave him its backing to head a new coalition. Better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda (Nepali for "the fierce one"), Pushpa Kamal Dahal led a decade-long insurgency in which around 16,000 people lost their lives. In 2006, he emerged from hiding to sign a peace deal with mainstream parties that paved the way for the abolition of the world's last Hindu monarchy and his own rise to power via the ballot box. Pushpa Kamal Dahal's (Prachanda) decision to withdraw support for Prime Minister K P Oli has now opened up the path for his own return to the premiership, with the Nepali Congress pledging support. Dahal became Nepal's first elected premier in August 2008 but his government collapsed nine months later in a row over the integration of former Maoist fighters into the army, a key tenet of the peace process. His decision to withdraw support for Oli has now opened up the path for his own return to the premiership, with the Nepali Congress pledging support. "We are in consultations for the formation of a new government... Dahal will be the next prime minister, with us playing an important role," senior Nepali Congress leader Minendra Rijal said. There was no immediate reaction from Dahal but a Maoist spokeswoman, Pampha Bhusal, said that efforts would be made to bring others on board. "The no-confidence motion began with an understanding between our party and the Nepali Congress, but we hope to work with other parties as well as we form the government," Bhusal said. "We are ready for the President to take the formal process forward." The Nepali Congress is the largest party in the 595-seat Parliament, with 196 MPs. A tie-up with the Maoists, who have 80 seats, would leave them just short of a majority. If he does seal his comeback, one of Dahal's first key tasks will be to finally implement a new constitution and resolve protests in Nepal's southern plains. Nepal has been in a political crisis since September when a Constituent Assembly approved a new constitution amid a political row with minority Madhesis in the southern plains over the creation of federal states under the new system. Ethnic Madhesis, who have long complained of neglect by a ruling elite drawn from the hill region, said the creation of the states would marginalise them by dividing their homeland. More than 50 people have died in clashes between police and protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised. The new charter was meant to bolster Nepal's transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability. But ongoing discussions between the government and protesters over the charter -- particularly over the rights of different ethnic groups -- have failed to yield agreement. Oli's communist UML party said it would not support the Maoists' bid for power after they had brought down Oli's government. "There is no possibility of us joining,” senior UML official Pradip Gyawali said. “We’ll remain a strong opposition.” (Agencies)

Nepal political turmoil: President asks parties to elect PM in a week, rebel chief eyes comeback

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