Resham Chaudhary quits NUP, announces formation of NUP Nepal

KATHMANDU: Resham Chaudhary, the founder and patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), has quit the party.

Chaudhary announced his resignation through social media and simultaneously declared the formation of a new party named Nagarik Unmukti Party, Nepal.

His move comes amid growing differences with his wife and NUP Chairperson Ranjita Shrestha.

Chaudhary, who was convicted in the Tikapur massacre case, had founded the NUP while still in prison. The party was officially registered with the Election Commission on February 25, 2022, under the leadership of Shrestha. The party went on to secure significant support in western Nepal. Shrestha was subsequently appointed minister in the coalition government. Around the same time, Chaudhary was released following a presidential pardon.

However, internal rifts surfaced in the NUP following Chaudhary’s re-entry into the party. This eventually led to Chaudhary’s resignation and the formation of a new political party.