‘No impact’ of UML split in Gandaki Province

KATHMANDU: Following the formal split of the main opposition CPN-UML and the formation of the CPN (Unified Socialist), the people’s representatives at the provincial and local levels are in the process of verifying themselves to join the new party led by UML’s the then senior leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. 

Members of provincial assemblies in six provinces have been visiting the designated election offices to authenticate themselves. However, the scenario in Gandaki Province is quite different. The provincial assembly seems unaffected by the UML split. 

Ten province assembly members in Province 1 and 13 lawmakers in Province 2  and Bagmati each have already renounced the UML and joined the new party. Similarly, one lawmaker of Lumbini, three of Karnali and 13 of Sudur Paschim provinces also joined the CPN (US). However, no provincial assembly member in Gandaki has so far opted to join the new party headed by leader Madhav Kumar Nepal. 

Indra Lal Sapkota, a Gandaki lawmaker, opted to remain with the UML though he was reportedly close to the Nepal faction as the erstwhile ruling party had been witnessing a heightened dispute.  The CPN (US) seems to have no representation in the Gandaki Province Assembly as most lawmakers are said to be close to the UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli.