Kathmandu:
Nepal's government on Wednesday failed to arrive at a decision on whether to sack Army chief Rukmangad Katawal, whom the Maoists want to replace with a loyalist, due to strong opposition within and outside the administration.
The cabinet meeting held on the issue a day after Katawal submitted a response to the government's notice, failed to decide the fate of the General, even as Prime Minister Prachanda said he would not take a decision without consulting other political parties.
The Army Chief furnished his written explanation to the Prime Minister on three issues, including recruitment of new soldiers and boycotting of the national games by the army.
He had sought to play down the impression that he had disobeyed the eight-month-old Prachanda-led government.
Earlier President Ram Baran Yadav, who met Prachanda this morning, asked him to consult other political parties before making any decision regarding the army chief.
Prachanda assured Yadav that he would not take a decision without reaching an understanding with other parties and that he would follow legal provisions in the matter, according to President's press adviser Rajendra Dahal.
Prachanda's stand on the issue appeared flexible today during his meeting with the President, party sources said.