KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is preparing to reshuffle his cabinet as part of his efforts to run the government more effectively. PM Oli, who is also the chairman of the main ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) has already held multiple consultations with party co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda.’
Although the co-chairmen have agreed to reshuffle the cabinet, they are yet to reach a consensus on the criteria for replacing and retaining ministers.
According to a party source, Prachanda is in favor of replacing all ministers in the cabinet, a proposal that Prime Minister Oli has not agreed upon.
Prime Minister Oli wants to retain Defence Minister Ishwor Pokharel, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ and Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali. However, Prachanda has not given a nod on the Prime Minister’s desire to keep the three ministers and bid farewell to the remaining others.
Prachanda has reportedly told Prime Minister Oli that all ministers should be recalled first and could be reappointed some of them based on their needs.
According to the source, Prachanda has already expressed his dissent over a proposal to split the ministries.
Although the co-chairs have not agreed on the criteria on whom to retain and replace, the Prime Minister is at the final stages of reshuffling the cabinet. He is preparing to fill ministers in those ministries which have fallen vacant for some weeks. Prime Minister Oli is mulling over splitting some ministries to appoint ministers.
Stating that he has provided the responsibility to oversee the party to Prachanda, he has been seeking a free hand in running the government affairs.
The source also said that the Prime Minister has indicated that he would reshuffle the cabinet in a way that represents all factions.
“The Prime Minister has held consultations with another chairman and senior leaders to find the consensus. He would reshuffle the cabinet in a few days in a way that allows him to conveniently run the government,” said a source close to the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Oli is in favor of retaining Home Minister Badal, Industry, Commerce and Supplies Minister Lekh Raj Bhatta–both ministers from former CPN (Maoist-Center)–at any cost. Both of them had sided with Prime Minister Oli when intra-party disputes were escalating last month. Similarly, Prime Minister Oli also wants to keep Forest Minister Shakti Basnet and Energy Minister Barshaman Pun ‘Ananta’ in his cabinet.
The source close to the Prime Minister said that he is now adding a few ministers after splitting the existing ministries and appointing a Finance Minister, Communication Minister and Urban Development Minister.
“There is no way the consensus between the two co-chairs could be forged immediately. The government’s functions cannot be effective or smooth after changing all ministers. It takes time for new ministers to understand ministries and their works. So, the Prime Minister will induct some new ministers in his cabinet,” said a leader close to the Prime Minister.
There are also chances of the Prime Minister appointing Defence Minister Pokharel as the Finance Minister. Defence Minister has been laying a claim on the post of party General Secretary if the current General Secretary Bishnu Poudel is appointed as the Finance Minister. Pokharel has been continuously supporting the Oli-led government and party in recent months.
