Lumbini, Sudurpashchim Governments Lose UML Support

The CPN-UML has withdrawn its support from coalition governments in Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces, marking a critical shift in regional governance dynamics.

In Lumbini Province, five UML ministers tendered their resignations to Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara, effectively plunging his government into a minority status. The ministers – Chet Narayan Acharya, Bhumishwar Dhakal, Dinesh Panthi, Ratna Khatri, and Arjun KC – submitted their resignations during a decisive meeting at Chief Minister Mahara’s residence on Thursday evening. This move comes shortly after UML’s initial participation in the provincial government following the formation of the UML-Maoist Center coalition at the federal level in early May.

Simultaneously, in Sudurpashchim Province, UML’s parliamentary party leader Rajendra Singh Rawal formally withdrew support by submitting a letter to Chief Minister Dirgha Sodari’s secretariat. This action prompted three UML ministers – Surendra Bahadur Pal, Hira Sarki, and Bir Bahadur Thapa – to resign from their newly assigned ministerial roles earlier this week.

These developments have precipitated a political crisis in both provinces, necessitating Chief Minister Dirgha Sodari of Sudurpashchim Province to face a mandatory floor test within the next 30 days to determine the stability of his government.

In broader national politics, the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML announced a strategic realignment on Monday, forming a new coalition agreement aimed at reshaping governance structures at both federal and provincial levels. Under this arrangement, NC and UML have divided leadership roles, with NC set to govern Bagmati, Gandaki, and Sudurpashchim provinces, while UML will assume leadership in Koshi, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces.