Ministerial race intensifies in Sudurpaschim as parties prepare for power transition

Dhangadhi: The race among leaders aspiring to join the new government in Sudurpaschim Province has intensified as preparations for a change in power move forward. With the new power equation formed at the center, discussions between the NCP and UML are underway for the formation of the provincial government, while party leaderships are facing challenges in selecting ministers due to the large number of contenders for limited ministerial positions.

NCP parliamentary party leader Khagraj Bhatta has been projected as the future Chief Minister. However, incumbent Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has not indicated an immediate resignation. Shah, who has been in the minority in the Provincial Assembly since Asad 31, has maintained that he will seek a vote of confidence by 30 Shrawan in accordance with constitutional provisions. The process of forming a new government will formally begin only after his resignation or completion of the vote of confidence process.

Under the new power equation, the NCP is expected to receive a maximum of three ministries, including the Chief Minister’s position. However, with 20 Provincial Assembly members and three political groups within the NCP, the distribution of ministerial posts is expected to be challenging.

From the former Maoist Center, Om Bikram Bhat, Akkal Bahadur Rawal, Shiv Singh Oli, Jhapat Saud and Ramesh Dhami are among the major contenders for ministerial positions. Laxmi BK and Janaki Kunwar are also claiming ministerial roles.

Similarly, Prakash Rawal and Naresh Shahi are seeking ministerial positions from the former Unified Socialist Party. All seven Provincial Assembly members from the Civil Liberation Party, which is part of the NCP, are also seeking representation in the government. Sources say internal discussions are ongoing on a possible power-sharing arrangement under which one minister, including the Chief Minister, could be appointed from the former Maoist Center, while one each could come from the Civil Liberation Party and Unified Socialist Party.

However, NCP parliamentary party leader Bhatta said that no decision has been made regarding the number of ministries or the names of ministers. He said that although discussions have been held at various levels, no conclusion has been reached yet.

Meanwhile, ministerial aspirations have also increased within the UML, which is preparing to join hands with the NCP to form the new government. Santosh Kumari Thapa, Chakra Malla, Daman Bhandari and Dharmaraj Pathak are considered the main contenders from the party. Former minister Surendra Pal is also attempting to return to the government.

There are differences between the NCP and UML regarding the distribution of ministries. The UML has claimed that it should receive ministries that were not allocated to it in the previous Congress-led government. According to party leaders, the UML is prioritizing the ministries of economic affairs, industry, tourism, forest and environment, and social development. However, the NCP is reportedly insisting on retaining the Ministry of Economic Affairs under its share.

UML Parliamentary Party Chief Whip Chakra Malla said that no formal discussions have yet taken place regarding ministry sharing and minister selection. According to him, a formal decision on the allocation of ministries and selection of ministers will be made only after Chief Minister Shah resigns and the constitutional process for forming a new government begins.