Opposition ignores PM's 'third alternative'

The opposition has categorically dismissed Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai's idea that the next PM should be an independent candidate. A meeting between the NC and UML on Wednesday evening decided so they would seek no alternatives to Sushil Koirala as the next PM.

"This is nothing but a tactic to extend his time in power," said UML leader Bamdev Gautam after the meeting.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, the PM had proposed to UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal that the parties should agree to a 'third alternative', a deal that would see an independent candidate lead the next electoral government.

In response, Nepal had urged the PM to agree with his own party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal's idea to nominate Sushil Koirala as the next Prime Minister.