TIA NEWS
CPN-Maoist Centre chief, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ was elected as new Prime Minister of Nepal today. The 61-year-old Maoist leader was elected with 363 votes in favour and 210 against him.
Out of a total 595 members, 22 did not vote. He was backed by the largest party in the House, Nepali Congress, constituents of the United Democratic Madhesi Front and the Federal Alliance and some other smaller parties.
Mr. Prachanda has become Prime Minister of Nepal for the second time. He held this post during 2008 – 2009 before a disagreement with the military over his attempt to sack the army chief brought his period in office to an early end. He is also the only communist leader to become the Prime Minister of the country twice.
The Prime Minister’s post became vacant on 24th of last month, after CPN-UML chairman K P Sharma ‘Oli’ resigned. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Mr Prachanda. Mr Modi spoke to him over phone and assured him of full support from India.
The new Nepalese Prime Minister has agreed to implement the Madhesi Front’s demands that include acknowledging those killed during the Madhes agitation as martyrs and providing free treatment to the injured, besides amending the Constitution to redraw provincial boundary. More than 50 people died in clashes between police and protesters in recent months.