Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, who was preparing to seek a vote of confidence after the withdrawal of support by coalition partner CPN-UML, is preparing to step down.
He could resign on Tuesday or Wednesday, sources close to Shah say.
Shah decided to step down after it became clear he would not secure the required majority in the provincial assembly to win a vote of confidence.
The Nepali Congress (NC) parliamentary party leader is currently serving his second term as Sudurpashchim Chief Minister. He earlier held the office from February 10, 2023 to April 4, 2024. He returned to office for the second term on August 5, following a short four-month stint of Dirgha Bahadur Sodari of CPN (Unified Socialist).
The Unified Socialist has now merged with the CPN (Maoist Center) to form the NCP.
Support from 27 lawmakers is needed for a majority in the 53-member Sudurpashchim Province Assembly.
The new coalition of UML and Nepali Communist Party enjoys a comfortable majority in the province assembly. NCP is the largest party in the province assembly with 22 members, while UML has 11.
Shah’s resignation will pave the way for the UML-NCP alliance to form a government in Sudurpashchim. As per the agreement between the two parties, the NCP will lead the government.
