KATHMANDU: Following the stepping down of CPN-UML chairman, and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Maoist chief Prachanda has been elected by lawmakers as Nepal's new PM. The second time leader promised a better future, and to lead the nation toward economic development and work as a bridge between communities following deadly protests over a divisive new Constitution.
The only contender for the post, Pushpa Kamal Dahal had to go through the voting as the Constitution requires the Prime Minister to prove support of the majority lawmakers in the House. Mostly known for his staunch stand against India, Prachanda was elected with 363 votes in favour and 210 against him. Out of the total 595 members, 22 did not vote. He found backing by the country's largest political party, Nepali Congress, constituents of the United Democratic Madhesi Front and the Federal Alliance and some other smaller parties.
Ahead of the election, the leader had vowed to lead the nation toward economic development while moving ahead with the spirit of national consensus during his premiership. He will not only become the 39th Prime Minister of Nepal, he will also become the first communist leader to become the PM twice. The move came after Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist signed a three-point agreement with the Madhesi Front to secure support from the Madhesi parties. According to the agreement, the government would 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, while the Madhesi parties would support the new government.
Welcoming the news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the newly elected leader and assured him India's full support. He tweeted, "Spoke to Nepal's PM-elect Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' ji & congratulated him. Assured him of our full support & invited him to India."
