Prachanda becomes 44th PM with Oli’s backing

CPN- Maoist Centre president Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” was on Sunday appointed Nepal’s 44th Prime Minister, after the former Maoist guerrilla leader dramatically broke away from the ruling alliance led by the Nepali Congress.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari appointed Prachanda as the Prime Minister of Nepal as per Article 76 Clause 2 of the Constitution, according to a notice issued by the President’s Office.

Under the provision, one who can garner majority support from two or more parties  may submit a claim to be appointed as the Prime Minister.

The decision to make Prachanda Prime Minister was made during a joint meeting of opposition parties held at CPN-UML chairman K.P.Oli’s residence at Balkot. The meeting was attended by CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Prachanda, UML chairman Oli, Rastriya Swotantra Party president Ravi Lamichhane, Rastriya Prajatantra Party president Rajendra Lingden, Janata Samajwadi Party president Ashok Rai among others.

Prachanda got the support from seven political parties and three independent Lawmakers, totalling 168. In the 275 member House of Representatives, support from 138 members is required to form a government.