CM Pandey vs UML: Tensions rise over cabinet expansion in Gandaki

Pokhara: The recent collapse of the government led by Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and the formation of a new federal alliance have had repercussions at the provincial level as well. In other provinces, the process of forming new governments by Congress and UML has already made significant progress. However, in Gandaki, there is no need for a new alliance. Congress leader Surendraraj Pandey, who formed the government with considerable difficulty, has not prioritized the UML, while the UML is eager to join the government.

Pandey is currently in India for medical treatment. Once he returns, discussions will be held regarding UML’s potential entry into the government. Currently, only 5 ministers have been appointed to the seven-member cabinet. Chief Minister Pandey has not yet decided whether to split the ministries or remove current ministers when the UML is included. Sources close to Pandey indicate that he does not want to remove Nepal Samajwadi Party (NSP) leader Phanindra Devkota and independent assembly member Rajeev Gurung, also known as Deepak Manange, from their ministerial positions.

Instead, Pandey is willing to expand the cabinet. However, UML insists that both Devkota and Manange should be removed, and that the government should be formed solely by Congress and UML in line with the existing central alliance. No formal meeting has yet occurred between the two parties. Pandey has been making various appointments ahead of UML’s inclusion. Recently, Deepak Bhandari of the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and Maya Timsina of the Nepal Samajwadi Party were appointed to the Policy and Planning Commission. Additionally, Kaji Babu Shrestha of the Nepali Congress has been appointed as the chairman of the Manakamana Area Development Committee. The process for appointing a press registrar has also begun.

Following the flurry of appointments, the UML's Gandaki Province Committee issued a statement warning against making decisions that could have long-term consequences. UML province secretary Dhananjaya Dawadi stated that since the government was formed under UML’s leadership at the center and Congress-UML is the power partner in all seven provinces, no new decisions should be made without UML’s involvement. 

"The decisions made without UML’s involvement in the Gandaki government could have lasting effects," he said. Given the nature of recent appointments, Pandey appears reluctant to exclude his old partners. When Pandey sought a vote of confidence, he received support from 2 members of the RPP, Devkota from the NSP, and independent member Manange. Despite facing significant challenges, Pandey managed to govern with 31 seats. He prefers to expand the cabinet rather than antagonize those who supported him.