Slim Possibility for Bishnu Poudel to Become Finance Minister This Time – Here’s Why

With a new power dynamic taking shape, it appears likely that the government will be formed by two major parties, led by CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli.

Reports suggest that in the Oli-led government, CPN-UML will secure 9 ministries, including the Prime Minister and Finance Minister positions. Meanwhile, Nepali Congress is expected to receive 10 ministries, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister roles.

If Oli is elected as the Prime Minister from UML, the speculation over who will assume the role of Finance Minister is of equal interest.

Bishnu Paudel, who has served as Finance Minister three times previously, emerges as the leading candidate for the position once again, alongside his role as Deputy Prime Minister.

Paudel has held the finance portfolio twice under KP Oli’s leadership and once under Prachanda’s, and he currently holds significant influence as the Vice Chairman of UML.

Despite publicly endorsing Oli as the uncontested leader, Paudel had earlier favored the continuation of the Prachanda-led government.

Due to Paudel being overshadowed in the efforts to broker an agreement between Oli and Deuba, General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has emerged as a dominant figure, weakening Paudel’s prospects of becoming Finance Minister. There is currently a power struggle between Paudel and Pokhrel to succeed Oli within the UML.

Another factor reducing Paudel’s chances is his close association with former President Bidya Bhandari. Oli reportedly has expressed displeasure towards Paudel, alleging that he secretly joined the campaign to bring Bhndari back into active politics.

Poudel, who served as the general secretary during the unified CPN era of UML and Maoists, did not support Oli during his difficult times amidst the dispute between Oli and Prachanda at that time. Consequently, Oli continues to maintain a lukewarm attitude towards him.

Meanwhile, another potential contender for the finance minister position within UML has not emerged, leaving open the possibility for Poudel to secure the role.