Minister Bhandari’s position at risk over LSP's opposition to land ordinance

Kathmandu, February 13 — The position of Labor, Employment, and Social Security Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari is under threat after his party, the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP)-Nepal, expressed disagreement with the government's land ordinance.

Bhandari's party has openly rejected the land ordinance proposed by the government, which has led to internal tensions.

According to sources close to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, he has indicated that if LSP-Nepal does not reconsider their stance on the ordinance, Bhandari’s removal from the cabinet could become necessary. 

LSP-Nepal President Mahantha Thakur issued a statement on Wednesday stating the party’s rejection of the land ordinance.

Thakur highlighted concerns over the ordinance's potential negative impact on marginalized farming communities, particularly the Dom, Musahar, Chamar, Dusadh, Santhal, Gangai, Rajbanshi, and Rana Tharu communities.

The party believes the ordinance would exclude these communities from land-related benefits and encourage deforestation and illegal land grabbing.

In response, political leaders have criticized the inconsistency of opposing decisions made by ministers who are part of the cabinet.

Former Law Minister Padam Giri emphasized that such behavior is politically and morally inappropriate.