PM Bhattarai refutes allegations in 12-pt rejoinder

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Friday brushed aside a number of allegations including media reports that accused him of promoting nepotism and taking decisions from cabinet, questioning his integrity.

A 12-point press note issued by Bhattarai's aide Bishwodeep Pandey claimed that misleading reports were circulated to defame the PM. According to it, some of his remarks were apparently distorted to malign him.

The press note denied that the PM had foiled an understanding to give government leadership to Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala despite the Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal's consent. It said that no understanding of that sort was reached with his party.

The press note said the government provided Rs 6 million to a foundation named after his father-in-law, the late Dharma Ratna Yami, and also denied any intervention from the PM in the appointment of his sister-in-law as head of the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepaano Ltd and the construction of a road inside Balaju Garden.

The press note also said Rs 6 million was provided as special relied aid to victims of Badarmude bombing but there were 'false reports' saying the PM had rejected the Maoist chairman's request for relief aid for the victims. Nepalnews.com