Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NC President Deuba extends olive branch to Madhav Nepal, offers support for Prime Ministerial role
In the midst of the escalating political drama, Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba reached out to Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, expressing his willingness to collaborate. During a visit to Madhav Nepal’s residence in Koteswo on Wedneday morning, Deuba conveyed his readiness to endorse Madhav Nepal as the Prime Minister, urging him to join his coalition. This proposition arose in the aftermath of perceived betrayals by Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, prompting Deuba to seek a united front. Sources close to Deuba reveal that he urged Madhav to align with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) as well, stating, ” Given Prachanda’s repeated betrayals, it’s time to unite.” In response, Madhav Nepal said he would convene a party Secretariat meeting to deliberate on the course of action, according to insider information.
RSP rules out alliance with Nepali Congress
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has unequivocally dismissed the possibility of entering into another alliance, confirming its commitment to the existing partnership. Vice Chairman DP Aryal told Khabarhub that RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane’s strategy is to maintain the current alliance with the Maoist Center and CPN-UML. Aryal asserted, “Four parties will progress, with the involvement of other parties. There will be no alliance with the Nepali Congress.”
RSP secures four ministries, including Home Affairs
In a latest development, four ministries have been confirmed for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda-led cabinet. The decision, made during a meeting of the task force on Wednesday, has paved the way for RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, to assume the responsibilities of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. The task force has allocated ministries to the RSP, assigning the Ministry of Labor and Education, in addition to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ministerial Roles: Pun to lead Finance, Lamichhane as Home Minister, Shrestha as Foreign Minister
The newly formed ruling coalition has finalized the allocation of ministerial positions, revealing the names of three incoming ministers. As per the coalition agreement, Barshaman Pun became the Finance Minister, while Rabi Lamichhane took charge of the Home Ministry. Narayan Kaji Shrestha has been designated as the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
CPN (Maoist Center) withdraws support from Gandaki Province government
In a significant development, CPN (Maoist Center) has decided to withdraw its support from the government in Gandaki Province. Parliamentary party leader Hari Bahadur Chuman confirmed the decision, which was made during a parliamentary party meeting earlier today. This decision leaves the government, led by Nepali Congress in the province, lacking a majority in the assembly.
Lumbini Province CM suspends two Maoist Center ministers amidst political turmoil
Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary of Lumbini Province has taken action against two ministers affiliated with CPN (Maoist Center) by suspending them from their positions. Finance Minister Dhan Bahadur Maski Rana and Minister for Urban Development Krishna KC Namuna have been dismissed by CM Chaudhary. This decision comes in the wake of CPN (Maoist Center) breaking away from the coalition led by Nepali Congress at the central level.
Government allocates Rs 50 million to CAN for T20 World Cup preparations
The government has allocated Rs 50 million to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for the upcoming T20 World Cup preparations. Scheduled to be hosted by the United States of America and West Indies, Nepal’s participation in the event has spurred support from the government. CAN expressed gratitude to the government via social media for the funding. Nepal secured its place in the T20 World Cup after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 8 wickets last year. This marks Nepal’s return to the international T20 stage since their participation in the 2014 World Cup in Bangladesh.
Six Nepali Congress ministers resign in Bagmati Province
Nepali Congress has withdrawn its support from the Bagmati Provincial government following the dismissal of the alliance with CPN (Maoist Center) at the central level. As a result, six ministers in the province tendered their resignations on Wednesday.
Newly appointed ministers sworn in
16 newly appointed ministers took an oath of office and secrecy on Wednesday. These new ministers were sworn in amid an event at the Office of President at Sital Niwas. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had earlier appointed three ministers on Monday after forming a new coalition with CPN-UML, JSP and RSP. The coalition parties reached an agreement on Wednesday on ministerial allocation paving a way for expansion of the Cabinet.
MCA-Nepal advances 18 km cross-border segment of power transmission line
The Millennium Challenge Account-Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has decided to advance the 18 km Nepal portion of the Butwal-Gorakhpur power transmission line on a priority basis by separating it from the larger 315 km transmission line. The MCA-Nepal determined that expediting cross-border section will help to meet the obligations of the cross-border power trade agreement between Nepal and India. “MCA-Nepal Board made this determination collectively owing to the critical importance of this segment to the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA),” a statement issued by MCA-Nepal said.
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