Gandaki Province Gains Key Ministries in New Federal Cabinet, Signaling Political Resurgence

Pokhara. Gandaki Province had been losing political influence in recent elections. Especially since 2064 BS, Gandaki had failed to demonstrate access at the federal level. Although two prime ministers were elected from Gorkha 2, the province as a whole could not assert its influence. Even now, many were assessing that Gandaki's political access had declined.

However, Gandaki has now secured charge of three important and powerful ministries: the powerful Home Ministry, the Finance Ministry, and the Tourism Ministry. Sudhan Gurung, elected from Gorkha-1, is confirmed as the Home Minister. Dr. Swarnim Wagle, elected from Tanahun-1 and originally from Gorkha, is set to become the Finance Minister.

Pokhara has also received the Tourism Minister after six years. Rabindra Adhikari, elected from Kaski-2 in 2074 BS, was appointed Tourism Minister. After he lost his life in a helicopter crash, Pokhara had not received the tourism portfolio. Now, Pokhara has once again taken charge of tourism. Khadakraj Paudel (Ganesh), elected from Kaski-1, has become the Tourism Minister.

The Ravi faction, which won a majority in Gandaki's 18 constituencies, appears weak in the cabinet from Gandaki. As two ministries were allocated by the Balen faction, Swarnim, who formed a separate faction, became the Finance Minister.