Veteran Communist leader K P Sharma Oli has sworn in as Nepal’s 38th Prime Minister, a day after he was elected in Parliament with support from smaller parties. Mr. Oli (63), was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Ram Baran Yadav. Prime Minister Oli has formed a small cabinet incorporating two Deputy Prime Ministers and five ministers.

Bijay Kumar Gachhadar and Kamal Thapa were sworn in as Deputy Prime Ministers. The two are said to have been rewarded for their support to Mr. Oli in Parliament.

In voting held in Parliament, Communist Party of Nepal — Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) chairman Mr. Oli garnered 338 votes, 39 more than the 299 that he needed to be elected as prime minister while Mr. Koirala could secure only 249 votes. A total of 587 members cast their votes.

Mr. Oli served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Girija Prasad Koirala-led interim government formed immediately after the 2006 People’s Movement.

Immediate Action need to be taken

He takes over as Prime Minister at a crucial time as Nepal has been wracked by violent political protests by Madhesi people protesting against the new Constitution. The agitating Madhesi Front claims that the Constitution does not guarantee enough rights and representation to the Madhesi and Tharu communities residing in southern Nepal.

Who are these Madhesis?

Madhesis are Indian-origin inhabitants of the Terai region bordering India who are also opposed to splitting Nepal into seven provinces.