Political Turmoil Over Government Change in Sudurpashchim Province

1 Jestha, Dhangadhi – The discussion of a provincial government change has stirred significant political waves in Sudurpashchim Province. Leaders from Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are intensifying efforts to alter the leadership of the provincial government.

Maintaining the previous political balance, Congress and UML have begun talks regarding either a government change or reconstitution. In this context, Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah traveled to Kathmandu.

Shah held discussions with UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Parliamentary Party Leader Gagan Kumar Thapa at Gundhu in Bhaktapur. According to sources, Shah urged them to make a swift decision regarding the provincial government.

“The Chief Minister had separate conversations with Chairman Oli and Leader Thapa. His demand was for an expedited decision on the provincial government issue,” said a source close to Shah. “Both leaders are consulting on the matter, and indications suggest a conclusion is near.”

Chairman Oli mentioned ongoing discussions about including other factions of the Nepal Communist Party in the provincial government. Meanwhile, Leader Thapa confirmed talks among all parties are continuing. “He (Oli) spoke of collaboration among three parties moving forward. The Leader also informed that discussions with all parties are underway,” the source added.

An understanding had been reached wherein the UML would lead the government in Koshi Province, and the Nepali Congress would lead in Sudurpashchim Province. Thapa, elected as parliamentary party leader through a special general convention, plans to alter the government leadership without breaking the partnership with UML immediately.

Thapa has authorized Vice Chairman Bishwaprakas Sharma to negotiate with UML and other parties regarding the provincial government. After attending provincial-level meetings in Karnali and Sudurpashchim, Sharma returned to Kathmandu and has since discussed matters with Oli in Gundhu.

Sharma proposed that the Koshi Province Congress faction be allocated accordingly while abandoning the UML’s position in Sudurpashchim, according to party insiders. However, Oli has not yet provided a clear response. Some UML leaders argue that Oli is dissatisfied with Chief Minister Himmat Karki, which might influence the party’s willingness to relinquish its position in Sudurpashchim to Congress.

“While Congress has proposed taking over Koshi Province and abandoning Sudurpashchim UML, our chairman has not made any decision yet,” said one leader. “Oli is reportedly not positive about Karki.”

However, considering Oli is also in talks with the Nepal Communist Party, some leaders speculate that the situation may change to enable cooperation among three parties moving forward.

Despite this, the Congress parliamentary party continues recognizing Sher Bahadur Deuba as chairperson even after the special general convention, reinforcing that Sudurpashchim is not a priority for Thapa and Bishwaprakas.

Although Chief Minister Shah requested a rapid decision regarding the government, sources suggest that parties have asked to delay any change in power until after the budget session. Ministers representing both UML and Congress are actively lobbying on this matter.

UML leaders, including General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, are reportedly not in favor of an immediate government change, creating a situation where Chairman Oli cannot make unilateral decisions. Nonetheless, signs indicate a decision may be reached within two to three days following further consultations.

Position Under Threat Despite Managing Internal Discontent

At a provincial-level meeting organized by Nepali Congress on 26 Baisakh in Dhangadhi, Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah expressed his anger, claiming attempts were underway to remove him from office.

He accused some provincial MPs and leaders of discrediting parliamentary party leader Thapa while pushing for his dismissal, vowing to resist from all fronts. On the same evening, Thapa held discussions with all provincial MPs regarding the government and Chief Ministerial matters.

MPs lobbying for a change in parliamentary party leadership and the Chief Minister’s position voiced their demands openly. Thapa instructed unity and stated he would decide on government issues in Kathmandu. There were also talks about potential complications the leadership change could cause in the political balance.

Following Thapa’s remarks, internal dissatisfaction appeared somewhat addressed. However, the possibility that past agreements between Congress and UML regarding Sudurpashchim and Koshi Provinces could be reversed has forced Shah’s position to remain precarious.

It is claimed that up to eight provincial Congress MPs favor Shah’s dismissal, but they have held back due to lack of clear signals from the party leadership. Divan Singh Bisht and Padam Shahi are reportedly leading this campaign, with eight signatures already collected.

“We support a change in the Chief Minister, but the lack of direction from leadership has paused us,” said one MP. “We now await guidance from higher levels. Our steps will follow the mutual understanding of top leaders from UML and Congress.”

Within UML, discussions about a government change have further intensified unrest. Ministers representing the government wish to retain power, while some leaders hope for ministerial appointments.

MPs seeking to remove Parliamentary Party Leader Rajendra Singh Rawal have already demanded ministerial posts from Oli at Gundhu.

“Currently, the Congress-UML power balance favors government continuity,” said one leader. “If talks bear fruit, UML is likely to take leadership in Sudurpashchim, but it remains unclear what the role of the Nepal Communist Party will be.”

MPs from the Nepal Communist Party suggest the electoral alliance with Congress and UML will continue, but no concrete decisions have been made. “In-depth discussions about the three parties moving forward together are ongoing. UML and the Nepal Communist Party may reach an understanding as well,” said one MP, “but nothing is confirmed yet.”