Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Disputes over ‘seniority’ have emerged in the CPN (Maoist Center) as the party prepares to select its ministers.
According to party sources, Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal is facing difficulties as multiple leaders are vying for positions and some are unwilling to work under those they consider ‘junior’.
Barshaman Pun, Shakti Basnet, Rekha Sarma, Sudan Kiranti, Amanlal Modi, Hit Bahadur Tamang, Madhav Sapkota, Surya Man Dong, and Hari Chaudhary are among the party leaders who have expressed interest in becoming ministers. According to an office-bearer of the Maoist Center, there are many aspirants and Pun is particularly dissatisfied with the ‘hierarchy’ in the cabinet with the appointment of Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs.
According to a party source, both Pun and Basnet want to become ministers, but they are unwilling to be seen as junior to Lamichhane.
The party has already appointed Senior Vice Chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure. Dahal plans to include experienced leaders in the cabinet.
Party Vice Chairman Narayan Kaji Shreshta, who is third in the hierarchy of Dahal’s cabinet, is also dissatisfied with the current arrangement.
According to the leader, Vice President Shreshta, who is third in the hierarchy of Dahal’s cabinet, is also dissatisfied with the current arrangement. He has reportedly expressed this dissatisfaction to Dahal.
In order to include all coalition partners in the government, Dahal is working with CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli to distribute ministerial portfolios. According to a party leader, the discussions also cover the distribution of other important posts and the formation of province governments.
Dahal’s personal assistant, Ramesh Malla, said that the two leaders discussed the government’s policy and programs at a meeting on Wednesday.
The coalition partners are set to meet at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on Thursday to finalize their power-sharing agreement.
