Sudurpaschim CM Dirgha Bahadur Sodari resigns

KATHMANDU, Aug 2: Dirgha Bahadur Sodari, the chief minister (CM) of Sudurpaschim Province, resigned on Friday, just before taking the vote of confidence which he was expected to lose. His government lost the majority after the UML withdrew its support.

In his resignation speech to the provincial assembly, Sodari announced his decision to step down. The assembly comprises 53 members: 18 from the Nepali Congress (NC), 11 from UML, 11 from the Maoist Center (including the Speaker), seven from the Nagarik Unmukti Party, four from CPN (Unified Socialist), one from Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and one independent candidate.

Following the resignation, the NC is set to lead the Sudurpaschim Province government as per the agreement with the UML.