Prachanda can become prime minister again, says Jhala Nath Khanal

KATHMANDU,  May 2: Senior leader of CPN-UML, Jhala Nath Khanal Wednesday said that CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ can become the prime minister of Nepal again.

Even four months after the completion of elections, UML and Maoist Center have failed to conclude the merger process differences over power sharing deal. Maoist Center has demanded equal power on the new party and the government.

Maoist Center Chair Dahal during a one-to-meeting with Prime Minister and UML Chair K P Oli had asked the latter to choose between party leadership or premiership but UML turned down the offer.

But Khanal argued that there will be turn by turn system after the unification.

“The one with the right policy, principle and character will be the leader of the new party. We are making Prachanda the co-chair of the new party. He has already become the prime minister of Nepal, and he can become again. He can also lead the new party. We have already reached a deal. The new party can make Prachanda the new prime minister. There is no doubt in it,” said Khanal in an interview with Rishi Dhamala.

He further said that two left parties are making efforts to sort out differences and find a common ground to finalize the proposed unification. “We are inch closer to announce unification. It can be this month or next month. Unification will be announced very soon,” he added.

“We are trying to settle the differences through talks. There are ideological, political and organizational differences. It will take a little time, but I think we are very close to conclude the merger process,” said Khanal.

“We have moved ahead together since the November 26 and December 7 elections. We have jointly formed government, and we have people’s mandate. Therefore we are at a point of no return. Unification will take place in any circumstances,” he added.