JSP exits Lumbini government

LUMBINI: Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) has exited the Lumbini Province Government.

JSP’s only minister in the cabinet – Minister for Agriculture and Land Management Bhandari Lal Ahir – submitted his resignation on Sunday.

Ashok Yadav, chairperson of the Lumbini Province Committee of JSP, said the party decided to quit the province government as the chief minister violated the written agreement reached with the party. “There was an agreement to provide two ministerial positions to us when the new ruling alliance was made,” Yadav said.

Yadav added that the party will not withdraw support extended to Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara’s government immediately.

Minister Ahir told Himal Press that he stepped down as per the decision taken by the party. “Although the Chief Minister and coalition partners violated the agreement reached with us going against the core values and principles of the coalition, we will continue to support the government by remaining outside the government,” he added.

JSP has three members in the Lumbini Provincial Assembly. Even if the JSP withdraws its support, Chief Minister Mahara’s government will not fall into the minority.