Both the Maoists and the Nepali Congress (NC) have said they will not give up their claim over the defense ministry.
Speaking at the Reporters' Club on Sunday, senior Maoist leader Post Bahadur Bogati said his party would never give up claim over defense ministry.
"We are not ready to accept the post of powerless Prime Minister," he said.
Referring to NC taking defense, home and finance ministries under its leadership in the interim government, Bogati expressed anger over the "double standard" shown by the NC at a time when it is required to handover leadership to the Maoists.
On the other hand, vice president of Nepali Congress (NC) Gopal Man Shrestha said his party would not give up the claim over the defense ministry at any cost.
"The NC should be given the defense ministry to save the Nepal Army, the only institution untouched by politicisation from being politicised," he said.
He also made it clear that his party would rather remain in opposition if the NC is compelled to give up defense portfolio.
Speaking at the same programme, UML leader Bhim Rawal said his party's claim over home ministry had not changed. nepalnews.com ps Aug 10 08
