Dispute resurfaces in UML over idea of CJ-led govt; SC meeting put off

Internal dispute over the proposal to form an election government under the Chief Justice has resurfaced in CPN-UML with some senior leaders openly criticising the party's previous decision to remain open to all options.

Party chairman Jhala Nath Khanal, senior leader K.P Sharma Oli, vice chairman-duo Bam Dev Gautam and Bidhya Bhandari are in favour of CJ-led government while senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal and general secretary Ishwor Pokharel are against it. Pokharel, who had opposed the idea in the recent standing committee meeting, has skipped the four-party meetings over the last few days.

Likewise, Nepal has been saying that the party should not go for for such a government without making sure that CJ Regmi resigns before he assumes government leadership.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the standing committee called by general secretary Pokharel has been put off. The party chairman is learnt to have ordered the postponement, citing his involvement in the four-party talks around the same time.

Party sources said Khanal apparently was unhappy with Pokharel for calling the meeting without consulting him. Nepalnews.com