Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad has expressed his fondness for several members of the Opposition. However, he refrained from commenting on rumors that the Prime Minister might consider incorporating crossbench Members of Parliament into the Government.
In a recent interview, Prof Prasad stated, “It would be a bit hypothetical for me to speculate and make any comments about who’s capable, who is not capable, what the Prime Minister is going to do, what I’m going to do. I think these are very hypothetical questions, and sometimes in politics it’s not a good idea to answer hypothetical questions. I know journalists like asking hypothetical questions. But as a politician, as a key minister in government and the Prime Minister’s deputy prime minister, I think it would be unfair for me to answer hypothetical questions.”
Despite his reservations about speculating, he did mention that he likes many individuals in the Opposition, noting that some of them are very capable and that they are cooperating well with them.
Prof Prasad highlighted the National Budget Debate as an example, where numerous Opposition MPs voiced their support. He pointed out that while in Opposition, they also supported bills, guarantees, and gave credit to the Government when it was deserved. “We set the standard, set the example when we were in Opposition and I think some of the Opposition, who were in Government at the time, understand where we are coming from,” he said.