NUP Turmoil: Two Factions Vie for CM Post in Sudurpashchim

The political landscape of Sudurpashchim Province is witnessing a power struggle within the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP). Two assembly members have stepped forward, each vying for the coveted Chief Minister post.

Laxman Kishor Chaudhary wasted no time in submitting his claim to Province Chief Nazir Miyan, backed by a coalition comprising the Nepali Congress, CPN (Unified Socialist), and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). However, within the hour, Kailash Chaudhary countered with his own bid, supported by the CPN (Maoist Center) and CPN-UML.

The deadline set by the Province Chief added urgency to the situation, prompting swift actions from the competing factions. Laxman Kishor, known to be aligned with NUP Patron Resham Lal Chaudhary, faces off against Kailash, representing the faction led by party chairperson Ranjita Shrestha. This rift, exacerbated by the personal dispute between Resham and Ranjita, has led to further internal turmoil.

The fallout of this power struggle has already begun to manifest, with Ranjita expelling assembly member Indira Giri, and Ghanashyam Chaudhary, the former parliamentary party leader, facing suspension for three months. Notably, both aspiring Chief Ministers claim the support of seven NUP assembly members, complicating the decision-making process for the Province Chief.

With the Nepali Congress holding the largest share of seats in the assembly, followed by the Maoist Center and UML, securing the necessary 27-member support for government formation remains a daunting task for both contenders.