PM Dahal expected to expand cabinet today

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda is preparing to expand the cabinet today (Friday).

PM Dahal is expected to expand the cabinet as soon as the political parties in the ruling coalition submit the names of the ministers, Baluwatar sources said.

He held a meeting with leaders of Nepali Congress, Maoist Center and Unified Socialist on Thursday evening in this regard.

Sources said that the parties have agreed to expand the Council of Ministers on Friday.

Meanwhile, PM Dahal also held separate discussions with the top leaders of the ruling parties on Thursday itself.

It has been agreed that Nepali Congress would get 8 ministries, Maoist Center 5, Janata Samajwadi Party and Unified Samajwadi 2 ministries, and others one each.

The coalition partners have almost finalized the names of the ministers.

If the parties submit the names of the ministers today, the cabinet will be expanded.

Sources close to the Prime Minister Dahal have claimed that the swearing-in of the ministers will take place at 3 pm on Friday itself.