Kathmandu: Nepal's political crisis deepened on Monday with the Maoists terming President Ram Baran Yadav's directive to sacked army chief Gen Rukmangad Katawal to continue in office as a "constitutional coup" and threatened to move the court against it.
The tussle between Prime Minister Prachanda and the President came amid a rift in the ruling Maoist coalition government with a number of parties disassociating themselves from the Cabinet decision to sack Gen Katawal accusing him of defying the Government's order on various issues.
As Yadav refused to endorse the decision taken by the Maoist cabinet on Sunday, Prachanda convened an urgent cabinet meeting on Monday to discuss the current political situation. He is also scheduled to address the nation.
"We have decided to fight against the (President's) move in the court, streets and Parliament," top Maoist leader Bahadur Rayamajhi said.
Another top leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara said Yadav's action was tantamount to "constitutional coup". "The President is violating constitutional norms. His move has put the peace process in peril."
The defiant Maoist leader said "the executive powers to sack and appoint an army chief lies with the Government and not the President. We will stick to our decision. We don't have any plans to quit the Government."
The crisis is the worst to hit Nepal as a new constitution is yet to be framed and the old constitution is silent on the appointment of army chief which was the prerogative of the King.
The crisis follows months of tussle between the Prime Minister and the Army Chief over the induction of former Maoist rebels into the Army.
The Maoists have also decided to hold talks with Madhesi People's Rights Forum and other smaller parties to retain majority in the 601 member constituent assembly.
Hours after Prachanda sacked Gen Katawal accusing him of defying the government's orders by reinstating eight Generals retired by the Maoist administration, the President told the army chief to remain in the post.
"Being the head of the state and the supreme commander of the Nepal Army I order you to continue with your duty," Yadav said in a letter sent to Gen Katawal late on Sunday night.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Prime Minister's Office and six regional headquarters of the Army.
"The dismissal of the army chief and the new appointment do not meet the constitutional requirements and due process," the President said.
Meanwhile, the principal opposition Nepali Congress demanded the resignation of Prachanda, saying the Maoist Government has been reduced to a minority in the wake of CPN(UML) pulling out in protest against the decision to sack the army chief.
Comments
0 comment