Nepal's Bhattarai reduced to caretaker PM

Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav on Tuesday restricted Baburam Bhattarai's role to a caretaker Prime Minister even as major parties demanded the premier's resignation to pave the way for the formation of a national consensus government to end the raging political crisis.

Citing the Interim Constitution, the President has directed Bhattarai to perform the day-to-day affairs of the state as a caretaker prime minister till the other council of ministers is formed, the President's office said in a statement.

Bhattarai's Constituent Assembly membership has also ended with the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly, the statement added.

The president has also asked all the political parties to move ahead through consensus in view of the current political crisis in the country, the statement said.

The president's statement was issued after a series of consultations he held with senior lawyers and office bearers of Nepal Bar Association.

Earlier, Bhattarai called on Yadav in the morning and held discussions regarding the current political situation, press adviser of the President Rajendra Dahal said.

Bhattarai has claimed he enjoys full executive powers while recommending fresh election for the Constituent Assembly on 22 November.

The Prime Minister's recommendation to hold fresh election on the said date has been challenged by major political parties including Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, which have questioned its constitutional legitimacy.