Friday, August 22, 2008

We will not join govt if UML not given second position, says Poudel

A senior leader of Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) has said that his party will not join the government until and unless the Maoists agree to provide second position in the cabinet to them.

Bishnu Poudel, senior UML leader, told journalists that his party cannot join the government in the current situation.

"Frankly speaking, the Maoists have tried to put their minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai in second position in the cabinet after Prime Minister. This is not acceptable to us," said Poudel.

"If the Maoists do not agree to our demand, we will not join the government. It is as simple as that," he said.

He accused the Maoists of trying to breach the precedents and traditions in trying to provide second position in terms of seniority to a Finance Minister instead of Home Minister.

Earlier, the UML had nominated its senior leader Bamdev Gautam to lead the party in the cabinet by assigning him Home Ministry along with deputy prime ministership.

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