UML ministerial reshuffle stalls in Sudurpaschim, internal dissatisfaction rises

Dhangadhi: Internal dissatisfaction within the CPN (UML) has intensified after a planned ministerial reshuffle in the Sudurpaschim provincial government was stalled at the last moment.

Although discussions on the reshuffle had gained momentum since Sunday, the process did not move forward at the final stage, leading to increased speculation and discontent among provincial leaders and party cadres.

Some UML leaders have claimed that dissatisfaction from General Secretary Shankar Pokharel’s side was the primary reason behind the delay. According to them, the process was halted after General Secretary Pokharel approached Chairman KP Sharma Oli and his secretariat, urging them not to proceed with immediate changes. However, the party has not issued any formal statement regarding the matter.

Earlier, preparations were underway to appoint Santosh Thapa Sharma as Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development, Janaki Air Bam as Minister of State, Chakra Malla as Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, and Daman Bhandari as Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives. There were also discussions about assigning current Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Surendra Pal the role of Chief Whip and Minister of State Nirmala Saud the position of Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Party.

Following the last-minute delay in the decision, a group of provincial-level leaders has openly expressed dissatisfaction. On Monday, cadres and supporters staged protests at the parliamentary party office, chanting slogans against Rawal and locking the party office.

Dissatisfaction has also been directed toward the working style of the UML parliamentary party and its leader Rajendra Singh Rawal, who has faced criticism over his leadership and decision-making process.

With the reshuffle decision—reportedly agreed upon at the chairman level—failing to materialize at the final stage, several leaders have begun to attribute political responsibility for the situation to General Secretary Pokharel.