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Journalism of Courage
Even as the Unified Communist Party-Maoist (UCPN-M) failed to secure any assurance for outside support to back its leadership,the largest party in the Constituent Assembly is considering playing the role of the decisive kingmaker when the House meets on July 21 to elect the Prime Minister.
The move was directed towards the Nepali Congress,which unilaterally fielded Ram Chandra Poudel as its candidate.
The UCPN-Ms politburo prepared to meet on Tuesday to discuss its final decision before the July 21 meeting.
Meanwhile,UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal wanted the partys 140-member central committee to endorse his candidature. He ignored the warning from party members,including caretaker Prime Minister Madhav Nepal,that the Maoists are not trustworthy.
Reports from the UML also stated that the anti-Khanal faction,led by K P Oli,was making efforts against endorsing Khanals candidature. A senior UML leader told The Indian Express that Khanals candidature would be backed by the rival faction only if Defence Minister Bidhya Bhandari is made the partys working president and Oli is nominated to the Constituent Assembly.
The Madhesi parties,together with 60 members in the House,have decided to wait until UML takes its final stand.
In the 601-member House,any candidate would need support of 301 members to be declared winner.
We have not yet said the Maoists are not going to field their candidate. But if other parties have any reservations supporting us,well back the UML or other parties,but not the Nepali Congress, said UCPN-M politburo member Barshaman Pun Anant.
Prospective candidates have to file their candidature by 4 pm on Tuesday.
