KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has expelled 11 leaders, including Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanal, from the party on Monday.

A Standing Committee meeting held at Prime Minister’s official residence on Monday evening decided to banish the 11 leaders and seek clarification from 12 others within 24 hours. It also decided to withdraw from the government in Sudurpaschim Province.

As many as 23 UML lawmakers close to Nepal faction of the party signed the petition filed against the dissolution of the parliament Monday afternoon. Other leaders who have been permanently expelled from the party are Bhim Rawal, Mukunda Neupane, Ram Kumari Jhankri, Sarala Yadav, Pushpa Kumari Karna, Kalila Khatun, Niradevi Jairu, Laxmi Chaudhary and Kalyani Khadka.

They did not submit clarification sought on Saturday for supporting opposition alliance candidate Sher Bahadur Deuba. The deadline to submit explanations expired Monday morning.

The remaining 12 lawmakers have been given 24 hours to submit clarification.

The Standing Committee meeting held Monday also decided to pull out of the government in Sudurpaschim Province. Maoist Center is the ruling party in Sudurpaschim. The party has asked its Ministers in the province to quit.