Two killed in blast in Nepal

Kathmandu, May 23 (ANI): At least two persons were killed and over a dozen others were injured when a bomb went off near a catholic church in Dhobighat of Lalitpur district today, hours before the country was set to elect a new prime minister.

The blast took place at 9.15 am when as prayer was about to begin. There were about 150 people in the church when the bomb went off.

The deceased are identified as Alestina Joseph, 14, a ninth grade student of St Mary's school and Deepa Patry, 30.

14 other people are injured and undergoing treatment at Alka Hospital, Jawalakhel and Patan Hospital. Condition of two is reported to be critical.

Police has cordoned the area.

However, Nepal lawmakers will vote today to elect a new Prime Minister.

Former chief of the CPN (UML) Madhav Kumar Nepal, who has been supported by 22 parties in the parliament, is almost certain to become the next Prime Minister.

The Unified CPN (Maoists) has decided not to field a candidate. Speaker of the legislature parliament will announce the Prime Minister unanimously elected if only one candidate files nomination by 1 pm.

If there are two or more candidates, the parliament secretariat will publish the final list of the candidates at 1:30 pm.

The lawmakers will vote for or against the first candidate. If the first candidate cannot gain a majority, the process will be repeated for the second candidate. (ANI)