UML to replace ministers in Lumbini government ahead of budget

The CPN-UML party has decided to replace its ministers in the Lumbini Province government, a move occurring as the province finalizes its budget. Acting on instructions from the party's central leadership, ministers Bhumishwar Dhakal, Dinesh Panthi, Khem Saru Magar, and Sita Sharma Chaudhary submitted their resignations to Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya.

This reshuffle follows earlier attempts in May to change cabinet members, which were delayed due to the Nepali Congress's insistence on a full cabinet overhaul and leadership rotation. Within the UML party, lawmakers seeking ministerial positions had reportedly pressured the central leadership, leading to the current decision.

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There was an understanding to assign responsibilities to new colleagues.

New ministerial candidates include Dilliraj Bhusal, Ramji Ghimire, Tulsi Prasad Chaudhary, and Ratna Khanal. Khanal has prior ministerial experience, while the others are new contenders. The party prioritized lawmakers who have served multiple terms but have not yet held a ministerial post.

Chief Minister Acharya stated that the resignations were directed by the party headquarters to assign responsibilities to new colleagues. He assured that the portfolio allocation would be finalized after further discussions and that the cabinet change would not impact the budget preparation. The provincial government also plans to reduce the number of ministries from eight starting the new fiscal year.

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There was an understanding to assign responsibilities to new colleagues.