Koirala on ventilatore, swearing-in deferred

Kathmandu, Apr 28: Uncertainity prevails on the swearing in ceremony of Nepal's Prime Minister-designate Girija Prasad Koirala today, as the octogenarian leader was reportedly 'bed ridden' with lung problem.

Sources, said Mr Koirala was on ventilator support, after the leader complained of breathing problems.

Mr Koirala was to be sworn in by King Gyanendra at the Narayanhity Palace at 0930 hrs local time, which was deferred to 1100 hrs.

Later, Mr Koirala's political advisor Dr Suresh Chalise told sources that the swearing in had been postponed again, and was likely to be held in the late evening.

However, Dr Chalise, while denying that ill health was responsible for the repeated postponement, said Mr Koirala's condition was much better today but he did not give any reason for the postponement.

Earlier, on the opening day of the revived Parliament this morning, Deputy Speaker Chitraleka Yadav read out Mr Koirala's statement regretting his inability to attend the parliamentary proceedings.

UNI

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