Budget crisis deepens amid dispute in Sudurpaschim Assembly
Summary
Ruling-party lawmakers in Sudurpaschim are moving to remove Chief Minister Khagaraj Bhatta as parliamentary party leader, deepening a leadership crisis just as the province remains without a budget. The dispute over ministerial appointments and party interference threatens the budget presentation and could destabilize the NCP-UML coalition government.
Key Points
- Nine NCP lawmakers have signed to remove Khagaraj Bhatta as parliamentary party leader, short of the 11 needed in the 53-member assembly.
- The dispute stems from dissatisfaction over ministerial appointments and alleged intervention by the party centre in provincial decisions.
- Lawmakers from the former Maoist Centre and Nagarik Unmukti factions are leading the campaign and seeking support from Unified Socialist members.
- The leadership clash could delay the budget and trigger further instability in the Sudurpaschim provincial government.
