FSFN decides to join Oli-led government

KATHMANDU, March 6: Upendra Yadav-led Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) has decided to participate in the government.

An emergency meeting of FSFN held on Tuesday decided to join the K P Sharma Oli-led government, according to FSFN Co-Chair Rajendra Shrestha.

The ruling parties CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) and FSFN have established a consensus on constitution amendment. However the leaders from both sides have failed to hit a deal on power sharing in the new government.

FSFN, which has put forth the condition of amendment of constitution as a prerequisite to join the government, had held a meeting with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and Maoist Center Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Monday afternoon, but the talks ended inconclusively after the leaders of the ruling parties declined to give three ministries including a deputy prime minister to FSFN.

FSFN has claimed stake over three ministries – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Planning. The party has also demanded the post of either deputy president or deputy speaker.

Prime Minister Oli is in no mood to create a deputy prime ministerial portfolio in the new cabinet. But, the ruling parties look positive to give three ministries including a state ministry and a deputy speaker to FSFN.

FSFN has also demanded amendment in article 274 of the constitution in a way that would allow redrawing of federal boundaries and formation of federal commission to resolve all disputes related to federal boundaries.