Nepal's PM forms biggest cabinet

The new ministers are Om Prakash Yadav (Agriculture), Khovari Raya Yadav (Industry) and Surita Shah (Communication), according to the sources close to the prime minister.

Om Prakash and Surita are from Madhesi Peoples Rights Forum (Republican) while Khovari is from Federal Sadbhawana Party.

Earlier this week, Bhattarai had inducted seven ministers, including six from his own UCPN-Maoist party, and 19 state ministers, bringing the total strength to 46. After Sunday’s expansion, the total strength stands at 49.

Bhattarai left behind Nepali Congress leader and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who had formed a 48-member cabinet in 1996.