Kamal Bahadur Shah Appointed Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province

Kamal Bahadur Shah, the parliamentary party leader of the Nepali Congress in Sudurpaschim Province, has been appointed as the Chief Minister. Province Chief Najir Minya appointed Shah in accordance with Article 168 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Shah’s appointment is backed by the CPN UML and the Nagarik Unmukti Party.

Earlier, the parliamentary party of the Nepali Congress in the province had decided to field Shah as Chief Minister. Other aspirants from the Nepali Congress for the Chief Minister position included Bahadur Singh Thapa, Prakash Bahadur Deuba, and Diwan Singh Bista. However, Shah was chosen following directions from the party’s central leadership.

This marks Shah’s second tenure as Chief Minister. He was previously elected as a people’s representative from Kailali constituency no. 2 (a) through the 2079 elections. During his first stint, Shah served as Chief Minister from February 10, 2023, with the support of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Nagarik Unmukti Party, and CPN (Unified Socialist).

Shah’s reappointment comes in the wake of changes in political alliances at the central level. The Province Assembly comprises 18 members from the Nepali Congress, 11 from UML, 10 from Maoist Centre, seven from Nagarik Unmukti, four from Unified Socialist, and one each from RPP and an independent member.