KATHMANDU: In a dramatic turn of events on March 4, Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda severed ties with the Nepali Congress, opting instead to forge a new partnership with the CPN-UML.
However, his actions were not without consequences. While PM Dahal was yet to seek a vote of confidence, UML Chairman KP Oli wasted no time in pushing for the political elevation of Sumitra Subedi Bhandari from his hometown, Damak.
Sumitra, a grassroots party worker, found herself at the center of Oli’s ambitions when he initially recommended her for the ambassadorship to Denmark in 2078 BS, though this opportunity never came to fruition.
Despite Oli’s aspirations, his inability to secure a governmental position since the dissolution of parliament left Sumitra in limbo.
However, with Prachanda’s new alliance formation, Oli saw an opportunity, promptly securing Sumitra’s appointment.
In accordance with Oli’s desires, Prime Minister Dahal subsequently appointed Sumitra as the provincial head of Madhes province, a decision met with mixed reactions.
In Karnali, Durgakeshar Khanal of Congress, followed by Govind Prasad Kalauni of UML, made way for Tilak Pariyar of the Maoists, further underscoring the volatility of leadership transitions.
While Sumitra boasts a commendable background in various local initiatives such as family planning, drinking water, and education committees in Damak, as well as serving as the former chair of UML’s women organization in Jhapa and a former educator, her appointment sparked dissatisfaction among certain quarters, notably the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP).
JSP, representing the Madhesi community, expressed dismay over the lack of representation in the newly formed government, particularly within Madhes.
The discontent was palpable as Hari Shankar Mishra was replaced by Sumitra Subedi Bhandari, prompting Raj Kishor Yadav, a JSP MP, to voice his concerns directly to Prime Minister Dahal in the House of Representatives.
Yadav admonished the rapid turnover of provincial chiefs, emphasizing the absence of Madhesi faces in key positions and demanding fair representation in line with previous commitments.
As tensions simmer and dissatisfaction grows, the future of Prachanda’s alliance hangs in the balance, with JSP and other parties signaling a potential shift in allegiance if their grievances remain unaddressed.
Unrest in Provincial Leadership
In the aftermath of shifting political alliances, the landscape of provincial leadership sees significant transformations, triggering discontent and criticism.
With three representatives from the UML, two from the Maoist Center, one from the JSP, and one from the Unified Socialist Party, the Nepali Congress faction finds itself sidelined.
Subsequent appointments under the CPN government, followed by further changes post-CPN split, underscore the relentless power struggles and political recalibrations.
Furthermore, the absence of representation from the quota of the Rastriya Janata Party (RJP), which has been vocal about the structural issues within the state, adds to the growing tension.
The UML swiftly secured three provincial chief positions within a week of sealing the UML-Maoist alliance.
Sumitra assumed the role of state chief in Madhes, while Dilliraj Bhatta and Nazir Miya, both UML leaders, are appointed as provincial heads in Gandaki and Sudurpaschim respectively.
All three took their oaths from President Ram Chandra Poudel, underscoring the rapid pace of political realignment.
Despite the alliance changes, some provincial chiefs remain unchanged, including Parshuram Khapung for Koshi, Yadav Chandra Sharma for Bagmati, Amik Sherchan for Lumbini, and Tilak Pariyar for Karnali.
However, beneath the surface, a distorted reflection of unity emerges within the state.
The provincial governments, now in their second term, should ideally have maintained stability with only 14 individuals occupying the provincial head position for two terms.
Yet, a staggering 23 individuals have assumed this role prematurely, reflecting the volatile nature of provincial leadership.
The unsettling trend continues with the politicization of provincial chiefs, particularly evident in Koshi Province, where three changes have occurred.
Similarly, Madhes witnessed a tumultuous turnover of leadership, with five changes within a short span.
This pattern extended to Bagmati province, which has seen three different provincial heads in quick succession.
The revolving door of leadership underscored the challenges facing the federal structure, highlighting the need for stability and accountability in provincial governance.
As political maneuvers persist, the fate of provincial leadership remains uncertain, echoing the broader struggle for effective governance and representation in Nepal’s evolving political landscape.
Rapid Turnover and Political Machinations
The tumultuous landscape of provincial leadership in Nepal witnessed unprecedented shifts, indicative of political intrigue and power struggles.
Across various provinces, a carousel of changes unfolds, leaving a trail of discontent and uncertainty in its wake.
Gandaki state stood out with a staggering five changes in leadership.
Baburam Kunwar of Nepali Congress, followed by Amik Sherchan of the Maoist Center, and then Sita Kumari Paudel from CPN-UML, assumed the role of state chief before Prithviman Gurung of Nepali Congress took over.
Notably, Sita Paudel’s tenure lasted a mere 85 days before the baton was passed to Prithviman Gurung, whose removal paved the way for Doti’s UML leader, Dilliraj Bhatta, to assume leadership.
Similar upheavals marked the provinces of Lumbini and Karnali, witnessing three changes each in provincial leadership.
Uma Kant Jha of Nepali Congress succeeded by Dharmanath Yadav of UML, and then Amik Sherchan of the Maoist Center, exemplifying the instability in Lumbini.
In this climate of uncertainty, the stability and efficacy of provincial governance hang in the balance, as political allegiances shift and leadership turnover persists.
In Karnali, Durgakeshar Khanal of Congress, followed by Govind Prasad Kalauni of UML, made way for Tilak Pariyar of the Maoists, further underscoring the volatility of leadership transitions.
Sudurpaschim Province reflects a similar pattern of instability, witnessing five changes in leadership.
Mohan Raj Malla of Nepali Congress, succeeded by Sharmila Tripathi of the Maoist Center, faced removal by UML’s Ganga Prasad Yadav following the CPN split.
Subsequent changes saw Devraj Joshi of Congress taking the helm, only to be replaced by UML’s Nazir Miya in the latest shift.
The political upheaval extends beyond provincial boundaries, encapsulating the central leadership dynamics of CPN-UML.
Miya’s ascent to provincial leadership reflects a strategic maneuver within the party, further exacerbating tensions within the political landscape.
Moreover, KP Oli’s sweeping actions reverberate throughout the provinces, with the removal of all seven provincial heads appointed by Deuba in 2076 BS.
Subsequent appointments under the CPN government, followed by further changes post-CPN split, underscore the relentless power struggles and political recalibrations.
In this climate of uncertainty, the stability and efficacy of provincial governance hang in the balance, as political allegiances shift and leadership turnover persists.
The ramifications of these developments are profound, shaping the future trajectory of Nepal’s political landscape.
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