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From the Kathmandu Press: Sunday, March 18, 2018

Almost all newspapers published in Kathmandu on Sunday have given priority to reports saying that Vice-president Nanda Bahadur Pun will be formally re-elected to the post on Sunday afternoon. Similarly, other social, political and economic issues have also received the attention of the editors. Here’s a summary of important, ignored and interesting reports that made it to the press on Sunday:

Important

After Bhandari, it’s Pun’s turn to be re-elected

The Kathmandu Post quotes the Election Commission to say that it will declare the result of the election for Vice-president on Sunday evening. VP Nanda Bahadur Pun is certain to get second term in office as the Nepali Congress, which had fielded Kumari Laxmi Rai against President Bhandari, did not challenge Pun’s candidacy. The paper quotes an NC leader as saying, “We had challenged President Bhandari’s candidacy as symbol of protest because she failed to be impartial in her decisions.” Pun was elected VP on October 31, 2015 after the promulgation of the new constitution.

UML, Maoist Centre to announce merger on April 16

Janata Post reports that the UML and Maoist Centre are preparing to announce their merger on April 16 (Baisakh 9), the establishment day of Nepal Communist Party. The paper reports that UML Vice-chair Bamdev Gautam told party leaders at meeting in Kathmandu that the joint committee formed to finalise the details of the merger deal will soon submit its report.

RJP keen on joining Oli Cabinet

Kantipur reports that the RJP has agreed to join the Oli Cabinet after the government assured that MP Resham Chaudhary, who faces murder charges, will be released from prison. The paper reports that Prime Minister Oli has told RJP leaders that the government will withdraw the criminal case against Chaudhary. The report says that Oli has also said the constitution will be amended to address the demands of the RJP.

Xi, Modi will visit Nepal this year: Foreign Minister Gyawali

The Himalayan Times reports that newly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Gywali believes Indian Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi will visit Nepal in 2018.”There will be some hi-level visits from Nepal as well,” Gyawali told mediapersons after assuming office. Hi-level visits are also expected the UK, Japan and the United States, said the minister.

NC’s strategy: Woo Maoists, isolate UML

Rajdhani reports that following the formation of the new government, the Nepali Congress, Nepal’s main opposition party, has adopted a new strategy to deal with the ruling coalition. The paper says that while party leaders will adopt a soft stance against the Maoists, they will try to isolate the UML. That is why the Nepali Congress is fielding candidates against UML leaders in key elections such as that for President and, but not against the Maoist candidates for Speaker and Vice-president. Congress leaders hope that if the bid to merge the two parties fail, it can form an alliance with the Maoists to deal with the UML.

Ignored 

Rs 800 billion required to build roads in provinces

Abhiyan reports that around Rs 800 billion will be required to build key roads and bridges in the provinces. The report quotes a study conducted by DOLIDAR to say that 31,000 km of road needs to laid out on an urgent basis across the country.

Oli against voluntary retirement for bureaucrats

Republica reports that Prime Minister KP Oli has warned he will take action against civil servants of the refuse to take action against civil servants who refuse to go the designated offices. During a meeting with civil servant representatives, Oli said that he will not tolerate any indiscipline on the part of the civil servants. He hinted that his government will not own up the voluntary retirement scheme introduced by the previous government.

Interesting

Meet Nepal’s youngest lawmaker

Thirty-one-year-old Parbati Bishunke has officially become Nepal’s youngest lawmaker. Bishunke was named MP by the UML in the PR category, reports Nepal Samacharpatra.

 

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