CPN-UML withdraws support from PM Dahal’s government, calls for new leadership

Kathmandu: The CPN-UML has formally withdrawn its support from the government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, after he refused to resign to facilitate the formation of a new government. This decision was conveyed by all UML ministers during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Baluwatar.

Following a midnight alliance shift that saw the CPN-UML aligning with the Nepali Congress (NC), Prime Minister Dahal found himself in a minority position after rejecting calls from both the NC and UML to step down.

Mahesh Bartaula, UML Chief Whip, confirmed that all UML ministers decided to collectively resign from their positions, adhering to the party’s directive issued during a Secretariat meeting. This decision came after Prime Minister Dahal declined the UML’s request to resign, prompting the withdrawal of support.

The UML ministers in the Dahal-led cabinet include Deputy Prime Minister Raghubir Mahaseth, and ministers such as Padam Giri, Jwala Kumari Sah, Damodar Bhandari, Balram Adhikari, Rajendra Kumar Rai, Bhagwati Chaudhary, and Hari Prasad Upreti, among others.

As per constitutional provisions under Article 100 (2), Prime Minister Dahal is now required to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives within thirty days due to the UML’s withdrawal of support. This process initiates formally once Parliament receives notification of the UML’s decision.