RSP sets four conditions to join government

KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has set four conditions to join the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government.

RSP laid out its conditions in the meeting with leaders of ruling parties in Kathmandu on Wednesday. RSP has proposed to the ruling coalition to give it ministries that it was allotted earlier, commit not to interfere in the work of the ministries, rewrite the common minimum program of the coalition government and ensure the continuity of the government.

RSP had earlier sent deputy prime minister and home minister, education, science and technology minister, labor, employment and social security minister, and minister of state for health and population in Dahal’s government.

The party exited the government after its President Rabi Lamichhane was ruled unfit to hold public offices by the Supreme Court.

The ruling coalition is said to have requested the RSP to join the government without making a claim for the home ministry. However, RSP is adamant on getting the home ministry.

“RSP doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to join the government. It also hasn’t said that it was against joining the government. Discussions are ongoing,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Purna Bahadur Khadka said.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, however, is making efforts to bring RSP back to the government.

Sources say apart from giving home ministry to the party, the ruling coalition looks prepared to meet three other conditions laid by the party. The coalition has hinted that it could give one more minister of state to the party if its leave its claim for the home ministry.

NC leaders say its President Sher Bahadur Deuba will hold a discussion with Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on RSP’s claim for home ministry.

RSP Chief Whip Nisha Dangi said the party would discuss its conditions and the coalition’s proposal in its joint meeting scheduled for Friday. “The meeting will decide whether to join the government,” she added.