UML rift deepens in Sudurpaschim, talks underway to replace parliamentary party leader

Dhangadhi: Internal disputes within the CPN-UML in Sudurpaschim Province have intensified, with growing dissatisfaction now reaching the stage of preparations to change the parliamentary party leader in the provincial assembly.

Dissatisfaction with the working style of parliamentary party leader and former Chief Minister Rajendra Singh Rawal has widened the gap between the provincial committee and lawmakers close to him. Rawal has been accused of failing to coordinate with the party, particularly in making appointments to various government bodies.

Leaders, including provincial chair Krishna Prasad Jaishi, have objected to Rawal recommending appointments independently without consulting the party. They have described this as an attempt to exercise parallel authority and act against institutional decisions.

As tensions escalated, the Krishnapur Nagar Committee of the National Youth Association Nepal in Kanchanpur locked the parliamentary party office. The youth wing has accused Rawal of being out of contact and appointing individuals opposed to the party.

Rawal has denied all allegations, stating that the appointments were made based on party advice. He also said that he has been out of contact for some time due to health issues.

The controversy further intensified after Jamuna Chand was recommended as chairperson of the Khaptad Tourism Development Committee. While Rawal said the move aimed to promote women’s leadership, other party leaders criticized it as factional politics.

Most UML provincial assembly members are now reportedly in favor of seeking an alternative to Rawal. Names being discussed for the parliamentary party leadership include deputy leader Santosh Kumari Sharma Thapa, chief whip Chakra Bahadur Malla, and Social Development Committee chair Dharmaraj Pathak.

However, sources indicate that the process of changing the parliamentary party leader will not proceed without direction from the party’s central leadership.