KATHMANDU, 26 October (H.S.): The expansion of Nepal’s interim government cabinet was marked by controversy on Sunday, as only two of the four recommended candidates were ultimately sworn into office. The ceremony at the presidential residence, ‘Sheetal Niwas,’ proceeded with a reduced lineup after two nominees were dropped at the last minute.

The two new ministers who took the oath of office are Dr. Sudha Gautam, who has been assigned the Ministry of Health, and Bablu Gupta, who will head the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki had initially sent a list of four names to the President for appointment. However, the recommendations for Khagendra Sunar and Ganpati Lal Shrestha were rescinded. Sunar, who was slated for the Ministry of Labor and Employment, was dropped after it was revealed that two separate court warrants had been issued against him.

Meanwhile, Ganpati Lal Shrestha, the nominee for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, refused to take the oath. His refusal came after he was reportedly offered the Ministry of Land Reform at the last moment instead of the portfolio for which he had been recommended.

—————

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar