6 - 12 May 2016
16 pages
Rs 50
DIWAKAR CHETTRI
#807
Pulling the rug T
his week’s high drama for regime change appears to have fizzled out as the UML beat the Nepali Congress in its competition to woo the UCPN(M). As this paper went to press on Thursday evening, there were indications that a ‘coup’ attempt by the NC to bring down the UML-UCPN(M) coalition, oust Prime Minister K P Oli and replace him with Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal had been foiled. UML Vice-chairman Bam Dev Gautam went to meet Dahal at his home early Thursday morning and appears to have convinced him that Oli was ready to hand over the premiership to him if he
waited till after the budget is coalition of being unsuccessful presented on 28 May. Later, when in ensuring earthquake relief a delegation from the NC went delivery, in governance, to meet Dahal, the Maoist leader resolving the Madhes crisis reportedly thanked them for their and curbing the black market. offer, but that he’d have to decline It proposed Dahal as prime for now. minister in a new coalition What this means is that the that would include the NC. NC’s attempt to register a vote The UML managed to convince of no confidence Dahal that it would this week and form not press for the a government with investigation of EDITORIAL the Maoists and the wartime atrocities. support of Madhesi As things stand PAGE parties has not been now, the parties successful. But it in the present coalition will remain the same, firmly established the UCPN(M) but there will be a new prime as a kingmaker party since Dahal minister (probably Dahal) and a would be the next PM no matter new ministerial lineup after the which side won the power budget is passed. struggle. The NC accused the Oli-led Kunda Dixit
NOT SILENCED 2
Little KOREA Walk down the street in Darbar Marg, Thamel, Pokhara or Dharan and you can see Nepali youngsters riding the Korean Wave.
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