Nepal PM Prachanda resigns

Kathmandu, May 4 (ANI): Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' today announced resignation from his post after President Ram Baran Yadav vetoed the government's decision to sack Chief of Army Staff, General Rookmangad Katawal.

Prachanda made the announcement in his address to the nation this afternoon.

Describing President Yadav's move as unconstitutional, he said it has dealt serious blow to democracy, peace process and the newly established republican order.

He also asked him to rectify his decision.

Saying that a constitutional President has no right to block the decisions of an elected government, Prachanda accused him of acting under provocation of some parties.

On Sunday, Prachanda had sacked General Katawal accusing him of defying the civilian authority.

The Maoists have termed the President's action as 'constitutional coup.'

Finance Minister and senior Maoist leader Dr. Baburam hattarai has said that his party would hit the streets now demanding resignation of the President.

The crisis follows months of tussle between the Prime Minister and the Army Chief over the induction of former Maoist rebels into the army, Nepalnews reported. (ANI)