Prachanda 'hopeful' of consensus on govt formation

Kathmandu, May 9: Amid hectic parleys among Nepal's political parties to cobble together a coalition to beat a midnight deadline, Maoist caretaker Prime Minister Prachanda said today he was "hopeful" of a consensus to form a new government.

Nepal was plunged into a constitutional crisis when Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' resigned as premier after his decision to sack army chief Rukmangad Katawal was blocked by President President Ram Baran Yadav.

"Intense debate and discussion is going on. I'm hopeful that within a couple of days we will be able to have a new consensus and to form the new government," Prachanda said.

Prachanda's statement comes just hours ahead of the expiry of the deadline set by the President Yadav to put together a government and end a political crisis that threatens Nepal's fledgling democracy and the landmark peace process.

Press advisor of the President today said that so far "no one has claimed to form the new government." "If no one approached (the president) by mid-night then either the time should be extended or fresh call has to be made for formation of the government on the basis of majority support," said Rajendra Dahal, press advisor of the President. PTI