Maoists-UML reach power-sharing agreement; Bam Dev to lead UML team in govt

CPN (Maoist) and Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) have reached an understanding on power-sharing.

According to the understanding reached at a meeting of top leaders of the two parties Thursday afternoon, UML will get three important ministries - home; water resources; and local development along with three other ministries - forest and soil conservation; women and children; and youth and sports.

Earlier, both the parties had staked claim over local development ministry.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, UML general secretary Jhala Nath Khanal said the three parties had sorted out all the differences over power-sharing, but he didn't explain about the deal with another ally, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF).

The two parties are currently busy in internal meetings to finalise the lists of their ministers. Top leaders of the three parties are expected to decide the composition of the new government and sign the common minimum programme (CMP) of the government.

Leaders said a small cabinet would be announced by the evening.

Meanwhile, UML sources said senior leader Bamdev Gautam would lead the UML team in the government. Majority of the central leaders favour Gautam to two other contenders - Amrit Bohara and Bishnu Poudel - as the leader of leader of UML team in the government, sources added. nepalnews.com mk Aug 21 08

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