Jha vows to work in independent manner

The vice president elect Parmananda Jha has said he would work in an unbiased and independent manner.

"I will carry out my duty fairly," Jha told Nepal Television on Saturday evening after the news of his victory in the election for the vice president's position emerged. The Constituent Assembly (CA) meeting is likely to shortly announce his victory officially.

Jha who had retired as a judge last December said he found his victory as 'sudden and unexpected.'

"I had joined Madhesi Janadhikar Forum after I retired from the judicial service. In a very short time, I have been entrusted with huge responsibility, which is unexpected," he said.

When asked what his position would be regarding the demand for One Madhes, One Province, Jha said, "I do not want to put forth my personal opinion on this issue."

Jha, who hails from Saptari district in eastern Nepal, was once a temporary judge at the Supreme Court (SC). But after his name was dragged in a controversy surrounding a drug-related case, he was not recommended by the Judicial Council for appointment as permanent judge at the apex court.

Jha defeated Maoist nominee Shanta Shrestha to bag the coveted position. nepalnews.com sd Jul 19 08

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