Senior leaders of the CPN–UML have expressed strong concerns that the party, despite being the largest political force in Madhes Province, is becoming increasingly isolated because of recent political decisions.
During the 60th Secretariat meeting held on Thursday at the central office in Chyasal, senior vice-chair Ishwar Pokharel, vice-chairs Surendra Pandey and Astalaxmi Shakya, and secretaries Gokarna Bista, Yogesh Bhattarai, and Raghubir Mahaseth questioned the leadership’s actions under Article 168(3) of the Constitution. They argued that these steps have weakened UML’s standing in a region where it had previously established itself as the leading force.
Controversy Over Chief Minister Appointment Deepens Crisis
Leaders said the process of appointing Saroj Kumar Yadav as chief minister ignored party procedures and long-standing organizational practices. They noted that UML had built its influence in Madhes through years of effort, but the recent approach has raised doubts about the party’s commitment to democratic and federal principles.
The controversy escalated after then-Province Chief Sumitra Suvedi Bhandari administered Yadav’s oath at a hotel in Bardibas on Kartik 24. Following this, political tension intensified, and other parties united against UML.
Provincial Assembly Speaker Ram Chandra Mandal, elected from UML, was removed from his position on allegations of misconduct, while a case filed against Yadav led the court to issue an interim order preventing him from making policy decisions. The federal government dismissed Province Chief Bhandari the same day.
Tensions Spread to Bara as Leaders Call for Internal Review
The political dispute has reached Bara district, where protests erupted after news spread that UML leaders were planning to attend a Youth Association event in Parwanipur. As demonstrations by Gen-Z youth escalated, clashes occurred, prompting authorities to impose a curfew.
UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, mass organization coordination head Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, and politburo member Mahesh Basnet had to remain in Kathmandu due to the unrest. Bara remained tense on Thursday, with negotiation efforts underway on Friday.
Leaders in the Secretariat meeting concluded that the party has been pushed into a defensive position despite being the strongest force in Madhes, calling for an honest internal review of the decisions that led to the current situation.
