Maoist chief Prachanda elected as Nepal prime minister

TIL Desk/World/Nepal-Maoist Chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal was on Wednesday elected Prime Minister of Nepal, the eighth in as many years, making a come back to the post after a gap of over seven years.

A clear majority — 363 in favour and 210 against — brought to an end the latest round of transition following the resignation by K P Oli last week, just before facing a trial of strength in the House that he was sure to lose.

Dahal — who said he would maintain balanced relations with the two neighbours, India and China — was greeted soon after his election by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extending an invitation for an official visit soon. Chinese ambassador Wu Chuntai presented Dahal with a bouquet, assuring continued support and good will.