Maoist decide to join the government

Shova Shrestha
Kumaripati, Lalitpur
3rd March, 2011
The UCPN (Maoist) has at last decided to join the government as the part of Jhala Nath Khanal-led government, after a month of government formation.
Leaders close to Prime Minister Khanal confirmed that he is preparing to expand the Cabinet within a couple of days. The Maoist decision follows an agreement between Khanal and Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to put aside the row over the home ministry after Khanal assured Dahal to hand over the ministry following “substantial progress” in the integration and rehabilitation process of former Maoist combatants. At the time of going to Press, the two leaders were still working out the details of power sharing arrangements.
The Maoist SC meeting will endorse the agreement between Khanal and Dahal on Thursday.
According to Maoist Spokesperson Dina Nath Sharma said the Standing Committee (SC) meet of the party that will be held on Thursday will take a final decision on the leaders joining the government. “The issue of portfolio allocation is still undecided, so we will take a decision after talking with the prime minister.”Sharma said.