As the process of forming the government has completed, how do you see the future of this Nepali Congress and CPN-UML coalition?

This government will last as long as it follows five-point agreement. This government will last for at least a year or until the promulgation of the new constitution. However, it will also depend on how Nepali Congress respects the agreement. So far as our party is concerned, we will respect the five-point agreement.

What will be the priority of the government?

As the five-point agreement states, the priority of the government will be to promulgate the new constitution by a year and hold the elections to local bodies. The government will also carry out development activities as per the wishes of the people.

After the formation of the new government, internal rivalries in your party seem to have intensified. How deep is the dispute?

The dispute is not as it is made to be in the media. Every decision has certain pros and cons. Some leaders might have reservations over the name of our ministerial candidates. In fact, the decision was taken with the consent of all the leaders.

Why has CPN-UML sent so many unelected faces as ministers. Don’t you have capable and elected representatives?

It is not a question of capability. The persons who are representing CPN-UML in the cabinet are responsible members of CPN-UML, having made long sacrifices. As the main role of CA members is to draft the constitution, we have decided to send other members of the party to represent us in the cabinet. We have nominated the members in the cabinet as per the constitution and party’s norms.

Then, why did former prime minister and senior leader of your party Madhav Kumar Nepal criticize the decision?

He has not criticized the decision. We appreciate his suggestions. There is nothing wrong in giving suggestions.

As your party is going to hold its general convention, what will be the possible scenario in the party?

We are yet to decide the date of convention. As four years have already been completed, the party will hold the general convention. As in the last convention, the coming convention will also strengthen our party.