Differences over cabinet berths mar Khanal’s swearing-in

Nepal’s 34th Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal took oath of office on Sunday. But differences with coalition partner, the Maoists, overshadowed the ceremony.

Updated on: Feb 6, 2011, 17:39:28 IST

Hindustan Times | By Utpal Parashar, Kathmandu

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Nepal’s 34th Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal took oath of office on Sunday. But differences with coalition partner, the Maoists, overshadowed the ceremony.

Khanal was administered oath by President Ram Baran Yadav at a brief function at Shital Niwas, the official residence of Nepal’s President, in presence of a large number of dignitaries.

But contrary to earlier speculation that eight other ministers would also be sworn-in the same venue, no one else from Khanal’s party, the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) or the Maoists took oath.

Differences between Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) and Maoists over sharing of cabinet berths are stated to be the reason for failure of other ministers assuming office on Sunday.

Reports say that Maoists, the largest party in parliament, are unhappy with Khanal for trying to give the important Home Minister’s portfolio to his party colleague.

Maoists who are eyeing the post and other important ones including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister threatened to quit the government if Khanal went ahead with his decision.

A meeting between Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Khanal ahead of the swearing in ceremony also failed to resolve the differences.

With no immediate solution in sight, it was decided that Khanal will take oath alone and the other ministers will be sworn in once both the coalition partners agree on sharing of portfolios.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

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