In the newly formed cabinet, Maoist spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara is leading his team, holding the post of minister of information and communication.

Interestingly, Maoists, who were actively involved in destroying communication towers across the country in the past, have now got the responsibility of running ministries of information, physical planning and works and local development.

Earlier, as per an understanding reached between top leaders of the seven-party alliance (SPA) and the Maoists, the meeting of the interim legislature-Parliament today unanimously reappointed the octogenarian Nepali Congress president Koirala as the Prime Minister of the interim government. After his reappointment, Koirala took the oath of office and secrecy before Parliament as per the newly promulgated interim constitution.

Delivering a brief speech in Parliament, Koirala requested all political parties and people to cooperate for lasting peace and stability by holding the constituent assembly elections within the stipulated time frame.

Meanwhile, talking to journalists after the oath ceremony, Maoist chairman Prachanda said the priority of his party would be to ensure the constituent assembly elections in a free and fair manner and to provide immediate relief to people.