KATHMANDU, July 31: Top leaders of the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML convened in Baluwatar on Thursday to deliberate on the evolving political scenario in Bagmati Province, particularly concerning the resignation of Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama.
According to sources, the UML has warned that it will withdraw its support and leave the provincial government if Chief Minister Lama does not step down. The pressure intensified after Indra Bahadur Baniya was recently elected as the new leader of the Nepali Congress's Provincial Parliamentary Party, replacing Lama.
Attending the meeting were UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, NC President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, NC Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, UML Vice Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Home Minister and NC leader Ramesh Lekhak, and the Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor and UML Deputy General Secretary Bishnu Prasad Rimal.
RPP not to quit Province 1 govt immediately
A senior leader present at the meeting said Deuba has summoned Chief Minister Lama to Kathmandu. Lama is reportedly en route to the capital for a meeting with Deuba. The discussion also centred on persuading Lama to resign to help defuse the escalating political tension.
Lama, who is currently on his way to Kathmandu, said he will consult with his team before making a final decision on whether or not to resign.
During the meeting, UML leaders reportedly maintained that the Congress must first resolve its internal conflict. However, should Lama continue to resist the party's directive, the UML is prepared to withdraw its support and exit the coalition government in Bagmati Province.
Although Lama has lost his position as the leader of the provincial parliamentary party, he has yet to tender his resignation as Chief Minister.