Lumbini Province Government Shake-up Looms as Congress Demands Chief Minister Post

Butwal. Discussions about changing the government have begun in Lumbini Province according to an agreement reached among the ruling coalition parties. The Nepali Congress, in particular, has started increasing pressure, claiming the Chief Minister post should come to their share. Congress has become active in implementing the agreement reached at the central level. In that regard, Congress Central Vice-President Bishwaprakash Sharma has been given the responsibility of coordinating the provincial government. In a recent meeting in Kathmandu, it was decided to reduce the size of the cabinet at a meeting of the parliamentary party leaders of all seven provinces. Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, leader of the Lumbini Province Parliamentary Party, who participated in the discussion, informed about the implementation of the 'alternate leadership' agreement by holding a provincial-level meeting. According to Jamuna Dhakal, Chief Whip of Congress Lumbini Province, Chaudhary presented the subject of the central discussion in the provincial parliamentary party meeting as well. She clarified that the process would be advanced in the province according to the central decision.

According to the agreement reached between Congress and CPN-UML last August, the government is currently led by UML Parliamentary Party leader Chetanarayan Acharya. Although it was said that Congress would lead the government from February according to that agreement, it has not been implemented yet.

Meanwhile, Congress is organizing a budget-related training program for provincial members on April 22 and 23. It is expected that central leaders will show more interest in the provincial power equation during that occasion.

Internal maneuvering is also visible within Congress regarding leadership. Parliamentary Party leader Chaudhary is frequently visiting Kathmandu, and a group seeking to replace him is also said to be active. Sources claim that some leaders are trying to put forward Raju Khanal and others as alternatives.

On the other hand, Bhumishwar Chaudhary, the Minister of Physical Infrastructure from the UML side, stated that although he has heard rumors of a government change along with discussions of 'budget here or there,' he has no formal information. Looking at the current situation, it is still unclear whether the government will change before the budget presentation or after. Congress leaders, however, say they are awaiting the final decision from the center.

'Agreement Will Be Implemented'

It is clear that the Chief Minister will not be appointed from outside the current coalition, as per the agreement among the ruling parties in Lumbini Province. Leaders of the Nepali Congress and UML, in particular, have stated that there is no possibility of a new coalition forming outside the current power equation.

Bhumeshwar Dhakal, Minister of Physical Infrastructure from UML, stated that they are ready to implement the agreement between UML and Congress and that there is no situation to go for other alternatives. According to him, the only remaining issue is when the current agreement will be implemented.

The Lumbini Provincial Assembly has a total of 83 members, and at least 42 MPs' support is required to form a government. Congress has 27 seats and UML has 29 seats. If the coalition between these two parties remains, it will reach 56 seats, ensuring a clear majority.

Currently, a 12-member cabinet led by Chetanarayan Acharya, including Congress, Lokpati, and JSP, is in office. Although there have been some minor fluctuations in the seats of smaller parties recently, the seat numbers of Congress-UML remain unchanged.

Congress Chief Whip Jamuna Dhakal emphasized that the old agreement will be implemented and that the center should pay attention to this matter. She clarified that the current coalition will remain and will not move towards other alternatives.