Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai on Wednesday sacked Defence Minister Sarad Singh Bhandari for his secessionist remarks to appease the opposition parties who had been disrupting the parliament for the past one week. Bhandari had said that the 22 Madhesi districts could break away and no law or constitution could stop them if the state continues to discriminate them.

“I have relieved both ministers from their duties as per recommendations of the concerned parties,” said Bhattarai to the parliament.

Bhattarai had also relieved Land Reforms Minister Prabhu Sah earlier this week for his alleged links in the murder of a Hindu youth leader Kashi Nath Tiwari last year.

Despite objection from members of Madhesi alliance on the idea of getting Bhandari resigned, Home Minister and Chairman of MJF (D) Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar had him convinced and recommended that the PM relieve Bhandari of his duties.

Gachhadar has been given the responsibility of the Defence Ministry while Maoist leader and Minister for Local Development Top Bahadur Rayamajhi will look after the Land Reform Ministry.