King Gyanendra Friday accepted the resignations of three ministers, the Royal Palace announced.
Home Minister Dharma Bahadur Thapa, Commerce and Industry Minister Mahesh Lal Pradhan and Education Minister Devi Prasad Ojha resigned, the announcement said.
Nepal Television first broke the surprise news after the 8 PM prime news broadcast on a holiday.
Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand and Deputy Prime Minister Badri Prasad Mandal have shared charges of the portfolios of the three ministers between them.
Mandal took charge of the important Home Ministry. Despite rumors, Minister for Physical Planning Col. Narayan Singh Pun retained his portfolios. The reduced council of ministers now has 19 members. nepalnews.com br/rh April 11