Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which made scrapping of provinces one of its agendas in the November 20 elections, has laid claim on the post of chief minister of the Bagmati Province.
The party has 13 seats in the 110-member provincial assembly. Parties need a total of 56 seats to form a government in the province. While the RPP is open to holding the position by turns, it has indicated that it would lead the government first.
In addition to staking a claim for the chief minister’s post in the Bagmati Province, the pro-monarchy party has also expressed interest in obtaining the chief minister position in the Gandaki Province. However, the party has stated that its claim is stronger in the Bagmati Province.
The RPP has already decided to join the coalition government seven parties headed by CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal once a common minimum program is established. The party, however, has set several conditions, including the declaration of a public holiday on the birthday of late King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the investigation of tainted political leaders, and the opening of a chemical fertilizer plant in the country, to join the government.
The coalition partners, UML and Maoist Center, have already made arrangements to divide control of six provinces between them. The UML will lead four provinces, while the Maoist Center will lead two. Two fringe parties of the coalition – Janata Samajbadi Party and Janamat Party – will lead the Madhesh Province by turns.
The coalition partners, UML and Maoist Center, have already made arrangements to divide control of six provinces between them.
According to the leader, RPP has sought three ministries from the coalition. However, the leaders of the UML and Maoist Center have indicated that the RPP may only be given two ministerial positions.
“Our claim for one chief minister position and three federal ministerial portfolios should not be taken otherwise as we party played a significant role in forming the coalition government,” the leader said. “This is only fair as the party with only 32 seats in the House of Representatives is leading the government.”
The RPP, which has also sought the position of Deputy Prime Minister, plans to join the coalition government under the leadership of party chairman Rajendra Lingden.
