Political parties have given mixed reactions over the appointment of Sher Bahadur Deuba as the prime minister.

The Nepali Congress expressed surprise over the appointment and insisted that it was “continuation of regression.”

“The appointment is completely against the aspiration of the people and the spirit of the agitation,” NC president Girija Prasad Koriala was quoted in media reports as saying. “The King’s decision is as surprising as it is undemocratic.” He added that a split in the five-party alliance was unlikely.

Expressing a more guarded view, the CPN-UML has said the party would support Deuba if he convinces them that the appointment is restoration of the government that was ousted in October 4, 2002. The party had declared this even before Deuba’s appointment.

Talking to Nepalnews, UML central committee member, Subash Nemwang said, “We are studying the new development closely. Our formal statement will come only after meetings of the standing committee and the central committee.” Nemwang added that until then the party would participate in the anti-‘regression’ protests.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has welcomed Deuba’s appointment. “We have already congratulated him. The King’s decision to appoint him is wise as it will end the deadlock created by the five-party-alliance,” said Roshan Karki, RPP’s spokesperson, to Nepalnews.

The view of People’s Front Nepal was similar to the one of Nepali Congress. “There is no fundamental difference in the process of appointment of Lokendra Bahadur, Surya Bahadur and Sher Bahadur,” said party chairman Amik Sherchan. In his opinion, the appointment would fuel the anti-‘regression’ movement.

Meanwhile, Deuba met Koirala on Wednesday evening and asked him for support. NC sources informed that Koirala congratulated Deuba but gave no assurances. He said that he would make his stand clear only after a meeting of NC’s central working committee.