NUP withdraws support from federal, three province governments

KATHMANDU: The Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) has withdrawn its support from both the federal and provincial governments.

The decision comes after Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah dismissed Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment Rameshwar Chaudhary, who is from the NUP, on Thursday.

NUP leaders said the move prompted them to reconsider their support at both the federal and provincial levels.

Party Chairperson Ranjita Shrestha accused CM Shah of insulting the party by sacking their minister without consultation, despite being coalition partners.

Chairperson Shrestha also announced that the party would recall Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar Chaudhary from the federal government. “We have decided to move to the opposition at both federal and provincial levels,” she added.

Shrestha argued that the dismissal of her party’s minister without any discussion or justification, even while being part of the ruling coalition, was disrespectful and unjustifiable.

“Our minister in Sudurpaschim was removed without any formal communication, reason or due process,” she said. “This is not only unconstitutional but also insulting and deeply unfortunate. We see this action as a sign of power arrogance, authoritarianism, and disregard for democratic values.”

Shrestha added that the party, under the guidance of its patron Resham Chaudhary, has now decided to assume the role of the opposition. She said the move was necessary to uphold the party’s dignity and protect the integrity of its elected representatives.

“This is a principled and forward-looking decision made to honor the people’s mandate, the party’s reputation and the dignity of our elected representatives,” said Shrestha.

Meanwhile, NUP lawmaker Gangaram Chaudhary said that although the party has decided to withdraw support, a formal decision is still pending from the party’s parliamentary committee. “No decision has been taken by our parliamentary party yet,” he said.

The NUP has four members in the federal House of Representatives, one in Madhesh Province, four in Lumbini Province, and seven in Sudurpaschim Province.

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