Sudurpaschim Province Government Becomes Minority After CPN-UML Withdraws Support

Dhangadhi. The Sudurpaschim Province government has become a minority after the CPN-UML withdrew its support. The province's budget, which was supposed to be passed by the end of the month, could not be passed due to political disputes.

Now, a conversation with Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah about the future of the government:

After the CPN-UML withdrew its support, the government has become a minority. Will you pave the way and resign, or will you seek a vote of confidence within the 30 days given by the constitution?

After the CPN-UML withdrew its support, I have to seek a vote of confidence according to the constitution. This is a constitutional process, and I will proceed accordingly. My responsibility is to follow the procedures and methods rather than resigning immediately.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party is saying that the provincial government is not needed at all. On the other hand, old parties seem busy changing governments. Doesn't this send a negative message to the public?

It is not appropriate to question the relevance of the provincial government. As arranged by the constitution, it is natural for a coalition government to be formed when no party gets a clear majority. The government will run as long as there is a majority; otherwise, the process of seeking a vote of confidence or forming a new government will proceed. This is a democratic system.

The coalitions formed in Sudurpaschim have not lasted. Why is there an attempt to form another coalition again?

This is a political necessity. When there is no majority, parties must cooperate. How long the government lasts depends on the understanding between the parties. There are some effects when the government changes, but the democratic process must be accepted.

The government's term is only about 9/10 months left. If you get a majority again, what will you do for the people?

I believe the government that will be formed now will go until the election. The first priority is to pass the budget and implement the programs for the new fiscal year. Our goal will be to advance stalled development projects and amend necessary laws and regulations.

The budget was supposed to be passed today, but it could not be passed due to political disputes. Is there a preparation to bring the budget through an ordinance now?

Generally, the budget should be passed by the end of Asar. Although the budget was supposed to be passed today, it was not possible due to the political situation. However, the budget will be moved forward by completing the necessary procedures according to the legal provisions. We will not let the situation where employee salaries or daily administration are affected arise. We will move forward by seeking consensus with all parties.

The role of the Nepali Communist Party seems decisive now. What discussions are taking place?

Continuous dialogue is ongoing with them. It is natural for them to have some interests and demands. The political equation at the center also has an impact. We are confident that we will reach a conclusion by consensus.

CPN-UML has accused you of allocating more budget to your own constituency. What do you say?

There is no truth in that accusation. When the budget was brought, the CPN-UML itself was in the government. A large portion of the budget is in the ministries led by CPN-UML ministers. The tendency to consider it right when in government and wrong when out of it is not appropriate. The main reason for withdrawing support is the political decision at the center; the budget is just an excuse.

There are also allegations of corruption and commission against the provincial government. How will you assure the public?

I am in favor of zero tolerance for corruption. If there is any evidence of corruption or commission in any project, give it to me, and I will immediately investigate and take action against the guilty. One reason why the provincial government has not been able to work as expected is the lack of necessary authority from the center. Despite that, we are committed to working for the benefit of the people.