Neighboring countries India and China on Sunday congratulated Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda on his appointment as the country's new prime minister.
Taking to Twitter, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he looks forward to working together with his counterpart Prachanda to further strengthen India-Nepal ties.
"Warmest congratulations @cmprachanda on being elected as the Prime Minister of Nepal. The unique relationship between India & Nepal is based on deep cultural connect & warm people-to-people ties. I look forward to working together with you to further strengthen this friendship," Modi tweeted.
Likewise, Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu congratulated Prachanda on his appointment as the prime minister. "Warmly congratulate Chairman Prachanda on being appointed as 44th Prime Minister of Nepal," the embassy tweeted. Prachanda was appointed the 44th Prime Minister of Nepal today itself.
President Bidya Bhandari appointed Prachanda as the Prime Minister in accordance with Article 76 (2) of the Constitution this evening. This is the third time Prachanda is taking charge as the prime minister. Earlier, he held the country's top executive job in 2008 and 2016.
He will be administered the oath of office and secrecy at 4 pm on Monday, according to a press release issued by the Office of the President.
Prachanda staked claim for the post of prime minister before the President at Sheetal Niwas with the support of 169 lawmakers from seven political parties.
President Bhandari had called on the parties to stake claim for the formation of the new government by 5 pm Sunday.
CPN (UML)-78, CPN (Maoist Center)-32, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)-20, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)-14, Janata Samajbadi Party (RJP)-12, Janamat Party-6, and Nagarik Unmukti Party-3, independents-3 have lent support to Prachanda.
