Madhes Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari has found herself at the center of controversy after she administered the oath of office to CPN-UML parliamentary leader Saroj Kumar Yadav inside a hotel in Bardibas on Sunday night.
The decision came while political parties were still negotiating the formation of a new provincial government under Article 168(2) of the Constitution. Leaders of the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LOSAPA) and other political groups had been holding demonstrations in Janakpur, demanding that the Chief call for government formation. Bhandari’s sudden appearance at the Panas Hotel to swear in Yadav took many by surprise.
Observers say the move has raised both constitutional and ethical questions. Critics accuse Bhandari of acting under the influence of UML leadership, while her supporters insist she exercised her constitutional authority within legal bounds.
Rift Within UML and Opposition Reaction
The decision has also created unease within the UML. Hari Narayan Mahato, the party’s chief whip in the Madhes Provincial Assembly, expressed frustration, saying the process lacked internal consultation and had tarnished the party’s image.
“We were not informed about such an important decision in advance. It has hurt the dignity of both the party and the parliamentary wing,” Mahato said.
Opposition parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre), Janamat Party, and Nagarik Unmukti Party, have strongly criticized the move. Protesters gathered outside the Chief Minister’s Office, chanting slogans and questioning the legitimacy of the swearing-in. Some reportedly clashed with police and officials during the demonstrations.
Profile and Political Journey of Sumitra Bhandari
Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari is a long-time member of the CPN-UML and a veteran of the All Nepal Women’s Association. Born in Damak, Jhapa — also the constituency of UML chair K.P. Sharma Oli — she served three consecutive terms as the association’s district president.
Before entering full-time politics, Bhandari worked with local institutions such as the District Education Committee, the Damak Drinking Water Committee, and the Nepal Family Planning Association.
In 2021, then-Prime Minister Oli recommended her appointment as Nepal’s ambassador to Denmark, but the plan was shelved after his government was dissolved by the Supreme Court. Two years later, in February 2024 (Falgun 2080 BS), she was appointed Chief of Madhes Province on Oli’s recommendation.
The incident has reignited debate over the constitutional role and political neutrality of provincial chiefs in Nepal. Analysts say the episode highlights ongoing tension between federal principles and partisan influence, calling for clearer constitutional interpretation in the future.
