Nepal gets first ever new cabinet with federal system

Binod Prasad Adhikari

Kathmandu [Nepal], Feb 15 (ANI): Khadga Prasad Oli, leader of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) on Thursday evening made history as he was sworn in as the first ever Prime Minister of Nepal under its new federal system.

Khadga Prasad Oli also known as KP Oli along with his Chinese alignment took the oath of secrecy from President Bidhya Devi Bhandari as the Prime Minister for the second time.

The CPN-UML which had secured the majority amongst the parties in the Parliament has got the support from the Maoist Centre, with whom its talk for the merger is underway. However, KP Oli inducted two other ministers in his newly formed cabinet from his own party the CPN-UML.

"There are a lot of differences and topics that tend to be discussed regarding the merger between the two parties, so the Maoist Centre intended to stay out of the government. As soon as the issues are settled, Maoist Centre will go to the government," Maoist Centre leader told ANI with requests not to disclose the identity deeming it to be party's internal decision.

Newly sworn in Prime Minister KP Oli chose Lal Babu Rawat as the Minister for Population and Environment and Tham Maya Thapa as Minister for Women and Children.

KP Oli who is now registered as the first ever Premier of Nepal after the adaptation of federal system will need to prove his majority within 30 days of the commencement of the parliament.

In case the government fails to get endorsed, then the President should give another chance to garner majority and upon the repeated failure, the President can dissolve the House of Representative and call for another election within six months.

The constitution also has fixed the number of ministers in the centre with a number limit of 25 seats inclusive of Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers, State Ministers and Minister Aide.