Amidst strong resistance from the opposition party, the Cabinet meeting on Sunday appointed Leela Mani Poudyal as the new acting chief secretary. He would automatically become the chief secretary later.
According to Minister for Information and Communications Raj Kishor Yadav, the Cabinet meeting appointed Poudel as the acting chief secretary although the Madhesi leaders were against the nomination.
Poudel, who has been serving as the secretary at the Prime Minister’s office and Cabinet office, was appointed by PM Baburam Bhattarai.
Leaders of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) had put forth the name of Shankar Koirala on the basis of seniority and Avanindra Kumar Shrestha, Uma Kanta Jha and Brinda Hada on the basis of inclusiveness.
“We had put forth the names to PM Bhattarai and he appointed the one who is close to him as it would be comfortable for them to work with each other,” said Yadav.
The tenure of current Chief Secretary Madhav Ghimire ends on August 6 after serving in the position for three years. Poudel would take over the post from the same date.
With the ruling partners reaching no where to consensus on the appointment, a meeting of the ruling coalition was convened this morning to discuss the same.
UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahanta Thakur were also present in the meeting. Nevertheless, Poudel was appointed for the post after PM Bhattarai stood firm on his stance.
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