Potential Government Reshuffles Across All Seven Provinces Amid Congress-CPN UML Conflict

This week, ministers from the Nepali Congress resigned from the CPN UML-led government in Karnali Province. In Sudurpashchim Province, ministers from the CPN UML were dismissed from the Nepali Congress-led government, and the UML withdrew its support from the government. Leaders have stated that these developments in these two provinces will have an impact across all seven provinces.

Earlier, after an agreement between the Nepali Congress and the CPN UML to change the federal government leadership, KP Sharma Oli became Prime Minister, and joint governments between the two parties were formed in all seven provinces. However, last year in Bhadra, following the Jan G Jhat movement, the Oli government fell. Currently, the joint governments in the provinces are facing crises. In Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Sudurpashchim, the chief ministers are from Nepali Congress, while in Koshi, Lumbini, and Karnali, the chief ministers belong to the CPN UML. The Nepali Congress General Secretary has expressed doubts over the stability and longevity of these provincial governments under the present circumstances.

Nepali Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel described the instability observed in provincial governments as a result of non-cooperation from the UML. He stated, “For example, there was an issue regarding the budget in Sudurpashchim Province. We had time to resolve it, but the UML side did not pay attention.” He also mentioned that the Congress faces two options moving forward. “The likelihood of maintaining the alliance with the UML is decreasing. If they seek to form a government with the left alliance, we are ready to facilitate that.”