May 31, Dhangadhi – Some Nepali Congress MPs were dissatisfied with Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah. On Tuesday, they formed a front to remove Shah from his position as party leader and Chief Minister by registering a vote of no confidence at the parliamentary party office. Out of 18 MPs, 9 signed the decision to remove Shah from the party leader position along with the no-confidence motion. With Prakash Deuba in the United States, the 9 MPs claimed majority among the 17 remaining members and submitted the no-confidence proposal against Shah. The faction seeking his removal also informed the party central committee and met Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari on Tuesday to update him on the matter.
While Shah faced this challenge on Tuesday, party leaders indicate the background is older. Dissident MPs had been campaigning to remove him for some time. Eight MPs, excluding Dammari Mehar, had previously signed a decision to remove Shah. They contend a majority was reached once Mehar also agreed to join them. However, Mehar reversed course on Tuesday and withdrew her signature from the no-confidence motion. Shah breathed an immediate sigh of relief following her withdrawal.
In the presence of ministers and fellow party MPs representing the Congress, Shah held a press conference at the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers’ office. He expressed a commitment to unite the parliamentary party and move forward together. Including Mehar, he used conciliatory language regarding MPs who signed against him, stating, “Though there are some friends with grievances, I am always open to resolving those issues. Currently, the policy program is ready and the budget preparation process is underway. There are no disagreements among us. We will move forward unitedly.” Shah added, “A party meeting will be held soon to send the message that the parliamentary party remains united. In party politics, disagreements and agreements among friends are normal.”
