Jha still undecided on Nepalese oath; four days remain

With just four days remaining, Nepal's embattled Vice President Parmanand Jha is still undecided about complying with a Supreme Court ruling asking him to take a fresh oath in Nepalese within a week, failing which he would be disqualified to hold the top post.

With just four days remaining, Nepal's embattled Vice President Parmanand Jha is still undecided about complying with a Supreme Court ruling asking him to take a fresh oath in Nepalese within a week, failing which he would be disqualified to hold the top post.

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Jha is under pressure from the Madhesi parties not to resign. President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who met Jha on Tuesday advised him to take fresh oath to end the controversy.

Jha, who sparked controversy by taking oath in Hindi language last year, will not re-take the oath in Nepali or any other language, before the Nepalese Parliament amends the constitution allowing him to take oath in mother the tongue, according to close aides of Jha.

Nepal government has asked Jha to take fresh oath in Nepali to abide by the Supreme Court verdict and assured that arrangements will be made for future to take oath in mother tongue through constitution amendment.

Jha was ready to resign from the post but he was aware of its possible consequences as it may trigger protests in Terai, a close aide of Jha said.

Madhesi parties including Madhesi Peoples' Rights Forum have asked the vice president not to re-take oath and also not to resign.