Lumbini CM Expands Cabinet; Nepali Congress Expresses Dissatisfaction

Lumbini Province Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary stirred controversy on Saturday as he expanded his Cabinet after seven months, inducting two new ministers without consulting the Nepali Congress.

Krishna KC from the CPN (Maoist Center) has been appointed as the Minister of Water Supply, Rural and Cooperatives Development, while Saroj Thapa of the Nepali Congress assumes the role of Minister of Tourism and Transport.

The move has not been well-received by the Nepali Congress, with party officials expressing their dissatisfaction over the unilateral decision made by Chief Minister Chaudhary. The discontent stems from the perceived lack of consultation within the party ranks regarding the selection of the newly appointed ministers.

The Lumbini Province General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Bikram Khanal, highlighted the issue, stating, “There are people who have been contributing to the party for a long time. The person should be finalized by holding discussions with the leaders in the party. It seems like the Chief Minister ignored the party.”

The Nepali Congress has called for a meeting of the Parliamentary Board at Deukhuri on Monday morning to address the concerns surrounding the appointment of ministers. Province Committee officer bearers have voiced their dissatisfaction, arguing that Chief Minister Chaudhary appointed a junior person as a minister without proper consultations with the party.

As the dissent within the party grows, questions are raised about the cohesion and decision-making processes within the Lumbini Province Cabinet, now comprising nine members following the recent expansion.