Nepal, March 23 -- However, differences persist within the party. President Rabi Lamichhane has maintained that the government should adhere to earlier understandings and retain 18 ministries. Party leaders say negotiations are ongoing to reach a middle ground before the final cabinet is announced.

With the formation of a new government imminent, Prime Minister-designate Balendra Shah is pushing for a streamlined cabinet of 16 ministries, even as internal discussions continue within the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to forge consensus on the final structure.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Republica....