Karnali Chief Minister Kandel resigns

Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel resigned on Saturday, creating a new political dynamic in the region. His departure comes as the CPN-UML and Nepali Communist Party (NCP) are in deep discussions about forming a political alliance.

Kandel announced his resignation during a Provincial Assembly session, just before a no-confidence vote against his government was scheduled. The motion was initiated by 16 provincial lawmakers from the Nepali Congress and the NCP. This action followed a shift in the coalition between these parties, influenced by recent changes in national politics.

The political instability in Karnali was further highlighted when four Nepali Congress ministers resigned from the provincial cabinet on July 15. These ministers included Rajiv Bikram Shah (Finance), Bijaya Budha (Water Resources), Ghanshyam Bhandari (Social Development), and Suresh Adhikari (Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment).

Kandel, a leader from the UML party, was initially appointed chief minister on March 27, 2024, with the support of the NCP. His resignation now opens the door for a reshuffling of power within the province.

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Kandel announced his resignation while addressing the Provincial Assembly on Saturday, ahead of a scheduled discussion on a no-confidence motion registered against his government.