Maoist Center exits Lumbini Province Government

KATHMANDU: CPN (Maoist Center) has withdrawn its support from the Lumbini Province Government. The party’s ministers in UML leader Lila Giri’s cabinet government have submitted their resignations.

Giri was appointed Chief Minister with the support of the Maoist Center and other fringe parties on January 11. However, his government is now in the minority with the Maoist Center’s decision to withdraw its support. This new development means that Giri will have to undergo a floor test within a month. Given the changed political dynamics, he is unlikely to get a vote of confidence in the province assembly.

The Maoist Center has formed a new coalition with Nepali Congress and other major parties after its relationship with UML turned bitter in the run-up to the presidential election. As per the power-sharing agreement reached within the coalition, Nepali Congress will now form the government in Lumbini province.

NC’s parliamentary party leader in Lumbini Province, Dilli Chaudhary, is almost certain to become the next chief minister of the province. Sources say that he is staking a claim to become the Chief Minister at the Office of the Province later on Sunday.

Chaudhary has the support of 27 assembly members of the Nepali Congress, 10 of CPN (Maoist Center), four of the Janamat Party, and three each of Janata Samajbadi Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, and Janamat Party. Chaudhary needs the support of 44 members in the 87-member province assembly to form a government.