Koirala resigns, paves way for new govt

Fri, Jun 27 02:15 AM

Nepal's octogenarian Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala announced his resignation at the meeting of the Constituent Assembly (CA) on Thursday afternoon, clearing the decks for the formation of new government. "Even though I am gone, I hope the politics of understanding and unity will continue," Koirala said, while addressing the CA. The veteran Nepali Congress leader was unanimously elected the Prime Minister of Nepal after King Gyanendra had given up active power on April 24, 2006 and had reinstated the House of Representatives.

During the last two years, Koirala encouraged the Maoists to give up violent tactics and join the political mainstream. The credit of successfully conducting the crucial CA election also goes to Koirala.

After announcing his resignation, Koirala urged all the CA members to lead Nepal towards progress and prosperity as per the people's mandate. "There has been a lot of confusion on the issue of my resignation, and the media reports had added to the confusion," Koirala said, adding that his primary political aim was to ensure a smooth political transition of Nepal.

Koirala will have to submit his resignation to the president, who is yet to be elected, since he was also serving as head of state. The new government, under the leadership of the Maoists, will be formed soon.

The Maoists emerged as the largest political party in Nepal after the April 10 CA elections. The former insurgent outfit has 220 members in the 601-member house, and the Maoist chairman Prachanda is all set to lead the new coalition government in Nepal.

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