Now, Nepali Congress asks Prachanda to resign

I /  May 04, 2009, 12:58 IST

Nepal's principal opposition party Nepali Congress today demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prachanda, saying the Maoist Government has been reduced to a minority in the wake of CPN(UML) pulling out in protest against the decision to sack the Army Chief.  

"The Prime Minister should resign from the post as the government has been reduced to a minority one," NC General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi told PTI after the party's emergency Central Committee meeting.  He said the Nepali Congress will support if CPN-UML makes any initiative to form a government.  

The party also supported President Ram Baran Yadav's move to block Prachanda's action against Army Chief, saying "it was in accordance with the constitutional provision and in as per the mandate of all party meeting."  

The CPN(UML) pulled out of the Government yesterday after Prachanda sacked Army Chief Gen Rukmangad Katawal for defying his orders on various issues.  

Meanwhile, Sadbhavana Party, which has 9 seats in the Constituent Assembly, said it will  move a no trust motion against the Government.

Party president Rajendra Mahato said the Maoist government has already been reduced to majority.  

He also claimed that the 18 party alliance, which met on Sunday to oppose the PM's decision to sack the Army Chief, would be able to form a government.  

Currently, the Maoists have got the strength of 238 seats in the 601 member Constituent Assembly, which is scheduled to meet on Tuesday.  

The NC has 112 seats, UML 108, Madhesi People's Rights Forum 53, Terai Madhes Democratic Party 21 and Sadbhavana Party has 9 seats. A minimum of 301 seats are required to form a government.