KATHMANDU: Former Maoist guerrilla who led decade-long insurgency against Nepal’s Hindu monarchy was appointed Prime Minister for third time, in alliance with main opposition after last month’s election returned hung Parliament.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal who still goes by his nom de guerre Prachanda meaning “terrible” or “fierce” will head new government for first half of five-year term with support of opposition Communist Unified Marxist-Leninist (UML) party and some other smaller groups, party officials said. “He has been appointed and commands the support of big majority of Parliament,” Tika Dhakal an aide to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari told Reuters.

Prachanda who replaces Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepali Congress party will step down in 2025, making way for UML to take over office, local media reported. “This is understanding. Remaining work of distribution of key other posts and ministries is still to be worked out,” Dev Gurung, general secretary of Prachanda’s Maoist Centre party told Reuters after meeting of new coalition.

New coalition comes to power hours after Prachanda (68) surprisingly walked out of ruling alliance led by Deuba of Nepali Congress Party.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 26 2022

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