JANAKPURDHAM: The political situation in Madhesh Province has entered a new phase after the CPN-UML withdrew its support from the Nepali Congress-led provincial government, pushing Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav’s administration into the minority.
The UML said it withdrew its support because agreements reached during the formation of the government had not been implemented. The move has triggered discussions among political parties over the government’s future and the possibility of a new power-sharing arrangement.
Under constitutional provisions, a chief minister must seek a vote of confidence in the Provincial Assembly within 30 days if a party supporting the government withdraws its backing. Following the UML’s decision, Yadav now faces the challenge of securing a vote of confidence or negotiating a new political arrangement to keep his government in office.
Earlier, Yadav had continued leading the government even after the Janamat Party withdrew its support. Citing time constraints and political necessity, he had kept parties including the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal out of the government and brought the UML into the coalition on May 21. UML leader Mohammad Samir joined the provincial government as a minister without portfolio.
However, the UML withdrew its support soon after joining the government, accusing the Nepali Congress-led administration of failing to honour the agreements reached during government formation.
UML leader Lakhan Das Tatma said the party had been compelled to leave the government because the administration failed to implement a 15-point agreement.
UML accuses government of failing to honour agreement
In its letter announcing the withdrawal of support, the UML stated that a 15-point understanding had been reached among the provincial parliamentary parties of the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and Nepali Communist Party to ensure effective governance, promote good governance, accelerate development and protect the public interest.
The agreement covered several issues, including coordination and cooperation among coalition partners in running the government, measures to make good governance more visible to the public, and the prioritisation of development projects in the budget for fiscal year 2026/27.
It also included provisions concerning the number of ministries and ministers and the implementation of development projects through open and competitive processes.
The UML’s withdrawal has raised questions about whether Chief Minister Yadav can secure sufficient support in the Provincial Assembly or whether the province will see a new political alliance.
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