Mainstream parties in Nepal are threatening to hold demonstrations against a move by King Gyanendra, which they say is unconstitutional and undemocratic.
They have been angered by the king's appointment on Monday of 13 new ministers -- one month after his controversial action in appointing a new prime minister, Lokendra Bahadur Chand.
The parties fear the expansion of the cabinet suggests the king is unwilling to revoke the appointment of Mr Chand, as they want.
The mainstream parties, including the two largest -- the centrist Nepali Congress and the left-wing United Marxist Leninist party -- want a government formed from their nominees, and for the king to relinquish executive power.
Foreign aid donors have called for the government to call elections as soon as possible and to hold talks with Maoist rebels seeking an end to the monarchy.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
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