Coalition leaders divided over power-sharing deal; task-force assigned to resolve

KATHMANDU: The cabinet expansion has been delayed after the leaders of the ruling coalition were divided over the power-sharing deal.

A meeting of the top leadership of the ruling coalition held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on Thursday failed to reach an agreement on who will take up how many ministries.

“The cabinet expansion has hit a snag after the aspiration of Madhav Nepal-led CPN (Unified Socialist) and Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) exceeded the number of available ministerial portfolios,” said a leader of the coalition privy to the meeting.

He further said that the task force comprising leaders of coalition parties led NC General Secretary Purna Bahadur Khadka has been assigned to resolve the power-sharing deal.

According to sources, the Unified Socialist and JSP have told all parties that the number of ministries should be equal.

According to the constitution, the government cannot have more than 25 ministers. Currently, the government has five ministers, including four full ministers and one minister of state. The current cabinet has six members, including the prime minister.