CPN (UML) exit leaves Madhesh government in minority, triggers power struggle

With the CPN (UML) withdrawing support over an unimplemented agreement, Madhesh parties weigh options for a new political equation

CPN (UML) ministers Mohammad Samir, Lakhan Das Tatma, Sharada Devi Thapa, and Manoj Kumar Singh hand in their resignations to Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav. Photo: Birendra Raman

DHANUSHA: After the CPN (UML) exited the Madhesh provincial government led by the Nepali Congress, politics in the province reached a new turning point. Claiming that agreements made at the time of government formation were not implemented, the CPN (UML) withdrew its support, leaving the government led by Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav in the minority. With this, discussions in political circles have begun regarding the continuation of the government and a new power equation.

According to constitutional provisions, after a party that supported the government withdraws its support, the Chief Minister must obtain a vote of confidence from the Provincial Assembly within 30 days. Following the CPN (UML)’s decision, Chief Minister Yadav faces the added challenge of taking a vote of confidence or taking initiatives for a new political agreement.

Earlier, even after the Janamat Party withdrew its support to the government, Chief Minister Yadav had continued leading the government. During that time, citing time and necessity, he had kept parties including the Janta Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal out of the government and included the CPN (UML) in the government on May 21. From the CPN (UML), Mohammad Samir was included in the government as a minister without portfolio.

Office of Chief Minister and Minister Council Madhesh

However, shortly after joining the government, the CPN (UML) decided to withdraw its support, stating that agreements made during government formation were not implemented. CPN (UML) leader Lakhan Das Tatma stated that they had to exit the government because the Nepali Congress-led government failed to implement the 15-point agreement reached with them.

CPN (UML)’s allegation of non-implementation of agreement

The letter submitted by the CPN (UML) to withdraw support mentions that a 15-point understanding was reached among the provincial parliamentary parties of the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and the Nepali Communist Party with the objective of addressing effective operation of the provincial government, good governance, development construction, and public interest.

The said understanding covered subjects such as coordination and cooperation among parties in running the government, working to give people a direct sense of good governance, prioritizing development plans in the budget for the fiscal year 2026/27, managing the number of ministries and ministers, and operating development construction plans through open and competitive methods.