Shah stakes claim to CM position in Sudurpaschim

DHANGADI, Aug 4: Kamal Bahadur Shah of the Nepali Congress (NC) has formally submitted his claim for the position of Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province. This move follows a decision by the NC parliamentary party in the province earlier today.

Shah presented his claim to Province Chief Nazir Mia, backed by the support from the UML. The Constitution's Article 168 (2) states that the Chief Ministerial claims had to be submitted by 5 PM today.

If successful, this will be Shah's second term as Chief Minister. He previously held the position for 14 months before resigning on April 4 due to shifting political dynamics. Shah’s path to reinstatement was cleared following the resignation of CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Dirgha Sodari, who assumed the role when the political equation changed again.

Other Nepali Congress members, including Bahadur Singh Thapa, Diwan Singh Bista, and Prakash Bahadur Deuba, were also considered for the role. However, it was agreed that Shah would lead the government to complete pending tasks, as his earlier term was cut short.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba directed other aspirants to support Shah’s bid. Following this instruction, Prakash Bahadur Deuba, who is also Deuba's nephew, withdrew his candidacy and returned to Dhangadhi.