Political Tensions Rise as Far West Province Chief Minister Sodari Faces Confidence Vote

Dhangadhi: The political landscape in Far West Province remains turbulent as Chief Minister Dirgha Bahadur Sodari stands firm on his decision to seek a vote of confidence within 30 days, despite mounting pressure from the new coalition leaders to resign.

Chief Minister Sodari, backed by the Unified Socialist Party, insists on maintaining his position. However, the departure of UML from the coalition has caused significant disruption. On Ashar 1, UML's Surendra Bahadur Pal, then the Minister of Economic Affairs, presented a budget of NPR 31.62 billion in the state assembly.

Following UML's exit from the government, this budget has become "neglected," with the party refusing to take ownership of it. The situation has been further complicated as the provincial assembly failed to convene a meeting to discuss the budget, and ministers have resigned.

Consequently, Chief Minister Sodari recommended ending the provincial assembly session, a decision communicated to the provincial head on Sunday night. Shailesh Dhungana, Acting Secretary of the Provincial Chief's Office, confirmed receipt of the letter at 4:48 p.m.

The next steps depend on the instructions from the state head, who is currently away. If the state chief does not dissolve the assembly session by Sunday night, the government's plan to introduce the budget through an ordinance on Monday will be thwarted.

Congress and UML leaders are demanding Sodari's resignation, as he no longer commands a majority. Former Finance Minister Pal, who touted his budget as the best ever, held a press conference defending it after its presentation.

An all-party discussion led by Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari on Saturday yielded no resolution. The constitution mandates a 30-day deadline for the confidence vote. Water Resources and Urban Development Minister Akkal Bahadur Rawal asserted that Chief Minister Sodari will not resign, despite his minority status.

Sodari was appointed Chief Minister on May 6 with the support of 11 UML members, 11 from the Maoist Center including the Speaker, 2 from the Nagarik Unmukti Party (Ranjita Shrestha Group), and one independent MP. With UML's withdrawal, his chances of securing the 27 votes needed in the 53-member state assembly are slim. Congress holds 18 seats, and UML has 11 provincial assembly members.