Prachanda is sworn in as PM of Nepal

Kathmandu, Aug. 18: Maoist chief Prachanda was on Monday sworn in as the first Prime Minister of the post-monarchy Nepal, three days after his emphatic victory in a Constituent Assembly vote ended the four-month-long political deadlock.

Fifty-three-year-old Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda was administered the oath of office by President Ram Baran Yadav during a function at the Rastrapati Bhawan here. "I will remain faithful to the nation and my countrymen," said Mr Prachanda, who donned a western grey suit and black cap for the occasion instead of the traditional Nepali dress of "Daura-Suruwal".

Outgoing Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala skipped the ceremony. However, his Nepali Congress party was represented by ex-Premier Sher Bahadur Deuba. Vice-president Permananda Jha, chairman of the Constituent Assembly Subhas Nemwang and Chief Justice Kedarnath Giri were also present on the occasion.

The Constituent Assembly had voted overwhelmingly on Friday for Mr Prachanda to be the Prime Minister of the world’s youngest republic, a move which ended the four-month-long political instability created by a hung Parliament. A four member team of Indian politicians led by President of Nepal-India Parliamentary Forum Sharad Yadav also attended the swearing-in-ceremony.

Foreign diplomats, including Indian ambassador Rakesh Sood, congratulated Mr Prachanda. —PTI