Nepal has two Deputy Prime Ministers now

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Monday promoted Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala as deputy prime minister.

The prime minister’s move comes amidst criticisms within Koirala’s own party, Nepali Congress, that she should not be given the berth of deputy prime minister.

The prime minister administered oath of office and secrecy to Koirala in the presence of President Dr Ram Baran Yadav on Monday evening. Koirala leads her party Nepali Congress in the Nepal-led coalition
government.

The prime minister has already appointed Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar as deputy prime minister in his 44-member jumbo cabinet.

Nepali Congress (NC) President Girija Prasad Koirala had long been exerting pressure on the prime minister to appoint his daughter Sujata as deputy prime minister. Sources close to Prime Minister’s Office said the prime minister took decision under pressure from NC President Koirala.

The Nepali Congress, which is the largest coalition partner in the government, has expressed serious reservation over Koirala's appointment as deputy prime minister. “This is not an institution decision of the party,” said Nepali Congress Spokesperson Arjun Nara Singh KC. “The party is unaware about the appointment.”

Nepali Congress leaders except those close to the party president Koirala have been demanding that a senior leader who could best serve the interest of the party should lead the party in the government. Sujata Koirala is considered young generation leader in the party.

- Asian Tribune -