Nepal's new Prime Minister has delayed forming his new cabinet for 48 hours after consulting astrologers, a source close to the Premier said on Monday. Sher Bahadur Deuba, who was appointed Prime Ministeron Sunday, was due to announce his new ministerson Monday, but changed his mind after being told the timing was inauspicious.
Accordingly, the formation of the new cabinet has been delayed by 48 hours, giving sufficient time for Deuba to think of new and competent ministers to be included in his cabinet, the source added. King Gyanendra appointed Deuba as the new Prime Minister after the ruling Nepali Congress Party voted for him to become its new parliamentary leader, automatically making him the new Prime Minister-designate.
He took over the reins from Girija Prasad Koirala, who last week was forced to stand down by MPs from his Nepali Congress (NC) party amid mounting criticism of his handling of a five-year Maoist rebellion that has claimed more than 1,700 lives.
Bureau Report