Cabinet to be expanded only after PM takes vote of confidence

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is set to expand the cabinet only after taking the vote of confidence in the House of Representatives (HoR).

The meeting of the House of Representatives has been called for 1:00 pm on January 9, 2023.

Prime Minister Prachanda has intensified discussions with CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli and other leaders of the ruling coalition.

Leaders of the ruling coalition have agreed to Prachanda’s plan.

In the meantime, the coalition leaders are preparing to complete tasks, particularly on power-sharing.

Meanwhile, PM Prachanda has asked Unified Socialist Party to join the government.

Discussions have been held to allocate the ministries among the seven ruling partners out of which CPN-UML is likely to get 9-10 ministries, Maoists 5, Rastriya Swatantra Party 3 ministers and a state minister, Janata Samajbadi Party and Janamat Party 2 ministries each.

Likewise, the United Socialist Party will get 2 ministries if it agreed to join the government, according to sources.

Meanwhile, the Janata Samajbadi Party has Vice President while the Rastriya Swatantra Party has claimed the position of Deputy Speaker.