CPN UML indecisive on CJ-led government; Oli deflects

KATHMANDU: One of the four major political parties in Nepal – CPN UML – remained inconclusive on the recently floated UCPN Maoist proposal to form consensus government in the leadership of Chief Justice Khilaraj Regmi.

The central policy making body of the party remained indecisive over the proposal despite day long discussion on the issue as majority of the members opposed the decision while party Chairman Jhalnath Khanal supported the proposal.

In today’s meeting, senior leader of the party K P Sharma Oli, who earlier had denied to support the proposal, deviated from his earlier stance and backed his chairman’s who had presented it as an opportunity to oust the Baburam Bhattarai government.

Despite Oli and Khanal’s arguments, majority of the speakers who presented their opinions today opposed the proposal claiming that such a step would be great setback for multiparty democracy.

General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel lead the dissenters stating the consensus government must be formed in a political leadership to avert the failure of multiparty democracy.

Following inability of the meeting to reach a concrete decision, the meeting was postponed till 11 am Saturday. All together 40 members expressed their opinion on the issue in today’s meeting.