Lumbini Province Sees Government Stability in 2082 Amidst Legislative Turbulence

Butwal. Lumbini Province, which has historically been plagued by frequent government changes, saw a different scenario in 2082. The continuation of a single government throughout the year signaled political stability, although the Provincial Assembly could not remain free from fluctuations.

Following the implementation of federalism, while the first Chief Minister of this province, Shankar Pokharel, led the government for a long time, the tenures of subsequent Chief Ministers were very short. In particular, after the provincial elections of 2079, the series of government formation and dissolution intensified. Frequent changes in power equations affected both policy formulation and implementation.

Due to mistrust among political parties, central influence, and the struggle for power balance, the province could not achieve stability. With coalitions changing repeatedly, there were frequent requirements to seek a vote of confidence. Between 2074 and 2081, there were five Chief Ministers. Leela Giri of the UML had to leave the government within three months, and Jokh Bahadur Mahara, formed from the Maoist-UML coalition, also stepped down in about five months.

Amidst such an unstable background, the continuation of a single government throughout 2082 is seen not just as a coincidence but as a sign toward stability.

On 7 Shrawan 2081, a government was formed under the leadership of Chetnarayan Acharya with the support of the Congress and UML. With a clear majority supported by 56 provincial assembly members, the government remained relatively stable. Although there was talk that Acharya should step down in Falgun according to the power-sharing agreement, he remains in office as the Congress did not exert pressure. According to Lumbini Province government spokesperson and minister Dinesh Panthi, the continuity of the government has accelerated policy implementation.

He claimed that there has been an improvement in the budget implementation rate, continuity in infrastructure projects, and stability in the administrative decision-making process. He stated that the progress of the provincial government's pride projects and the completion of administrative buildings, including the Chief Minister's office, are achievements of a stable government.

Ministerial Reshuffles and Power Balance

Even though the government remained stable, ministerial reshuffles continued. After Badshah Kurmi, who became the Forest Minister from Congress, fell into controversy, Devkaran Prasad Kalwar was appointed in his place. Similarly, to balance the power equation, Santosh Pandey from LOSAPA was made the Sports Minister. This ministry was previously held by Chief Minister Acharya himself for a long time.

Currently, the provincial government has a 12-member cabinet including 5 ministers from UML, 5 from Congress, 1 from LOSAPA, and 1 from JSP. According to Congress parliamentary party leader Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, there is no infighting like before because there is a clear majority.

Provincial Assembly Remains Unstable

While the government appeared stable, the Provincial Assembly remained quite volatile in 2082. The 87-member assembly has shrunk to 83. During this period, one member passed away, some MPs resigned, some went abroad, and some were involved in controversies.

The assembly was shocked by the death of UML MP Sarita Pun from Rukum East. Revati Gurung from Rupandehi has been sent in her place. After Gita Gurung of the Janamat Party resigned and went to the UK, Nilam Paswan was appointed.

Similarly, the number of members decreased after Kanhaiya Baniya, Dhan Bahadur Maski, Dharma Bahadur Chaudhary, and Krishna KC 'Namuna' resigned. Likewise, a major stir occurred in provincial politics after provincial assembly member Rekha Sharma was arrested on charges of child labor exploitation. She was arrested from Kathmandu and the case is currently under process.

Party Unity and New Equations

Unity among parties in 2082 has also changed the equation of the Provincial Assembly. The NCP, formed after the merger of the Maoist Center and Unified Socialist, has strengthened its presence. Three MPs from the Nagarik Unmukti Party have also been integrated into the NCP through legal processes. With this, the number of NCP seats in the Provincial Assembly has reached 13. Lumbini Provincial Assembly Secretary Dulabh Pun Magar said that 2082 saw some fluctuations in Lumbini Province. He noted that the Provincial Assembly remained focused on constant ups and downs, resignations, deaths, and controversies.