Difference in alliance in the allocation of portfolio

Kathmandu, Aug 19 (UNI) As the formation of council of ministers is still being discussed in the Himalayan Republic, differences have arisen in the three-party alliance over the allocation of portfolios.

MJF has been demanding the deputy premiership and ministry of foreign affairs in the four ministries allocated for this Terai-based party while the UML has been demanding the ministries of home affairs and local development in the six ministries to be given to this party.

Maoists will have nine ministries, including defence and finance. However, the parties have not been able to finalise the allocation of portfolios.

Meanwhile, the UML and MJF have opposed the Maoists decision to depute Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), Maoists combatant for the security of the Prime Minister in addition to the Nepal Army and Armed Police Force.

The Maoists had decided to deploy PLA for the security of the newly-elected Prime Minister Maoists chairman Prachand.

The number of Nepal army has been doubled for his security with 180 personnel under the command of Lt Colonel. Earlier, that there used to be 75 army personnel under the command of army major.

Indian leaders led by Sharad Yadav, who were in Kathmandu to attend the oath taking ceremony of the Nepalese premier yesterday, met the latter today.

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