KATHMANDU: With the recent change in government leadership, several small political parties have asserted their demand for Chief Minister positions as a condition to join the newly forming government.

As Prime Minister Dahal seeks backing to establish a fresh administration post-alliance breakup with Nepali Congress, these smaller parties are leveraging their potential support for a share of power.

Nagarik Unmukti Party, holding three seats in the House of Representatives (HoR), insists on obtaining the Chief Minister’s role in Sudur Paschim Province to align with the government.

Simultaneously, the party holds six seats in the Sudur Paschim Provincial Assembly, further underlining its influence.

Despite the government’s recent appointment of three ministers each from CPN-UML, RSP, and CPN (Maoist Center), another coalition partner, Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), has declined participation in the Cabinet.

They demand a five-year tenure for their government in Madhesh Province.

The party leading the Madhesh Province government currently holds 16 seats in the Provincial Assembly and 12 in the federal parliament.

In a parallel move, Janamat Party, led by CK Raut, has also asserted its claim to the Chief Minister position in Madhesh Province.

With 13 seats in the Provincial Assembly and six in the federal parliament, the party stakes its position in the power negotiations.