The dramatic events on Monday morning surrounding the appointment of the Chief Minister of Madhesh Province cannot be seen as normal. The controversial move of Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari to appoint UML parliamentary party leader Saroj Kumar Yadav in a resort has cast a long shadow over federalism in Nepal. Although the Supreme Court has barred the new Chief Minister from taking long-term decisions, this episode has undermined democracy and federalism, disregarding constitutional rules and disrespecting institutions. Democratic governance relies on law and established norms. Instead of reinforcing these principles among citizens, this particular action of the Province Chief has further distorted them. Provincial governments are expected to operate within legal frameworks, yet distortions from the federal level have seeped into provincial administrations. Similar dramatic episodes have occurred in Koshi Province earlier. The recent Madhesh event shows how those in power still give preference to force over legality. Despite calls for reform following the Gen Z movement on September 8–9, these incidents confirm that the reform agenda has stalled.
Book review: Analyzing political economy of federalism in Nepal
The Madhesh Province government has been unstable for some time. The Satish Kumar Singh-led government of the Janamat Party collapsed due to internal disputes, followed by a Jitendra Sonal-led administration. When Sonal’s government failed to secure a confidence vote, he resigned. Constitutionally, the provincial head must then facilitate the formation of a new government. Instead of acting impartially, the Province Chief appointed Saroj Kumar Yadav to favour the CPN-UML—a process conducted unusually at a resort, with the oath-taking held there. This breach of protocol prompted the government to remove Bhandari from her post. Interestingly, the Province Chief had left Janakpur citing ill health, assisted by Sonal, but instead arranged the appointment at a resort soon after heightened tensions in the provincial assembly. Madhesh remained tense throughout Monday, and the tension continues even today as there is uncertainty over the appointment of the new Chief Minister.
The provincial government is now dominated by seven major parties opposed to the UML, including Nepali Congress, Janata Samajbadi Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, Janamat Party, CPN (Unified Socialist), and CPN (Maoist Center). Major parties continue to distort the federal democratic system by placing loyalists in key positions. Had a person of integrity and impartiality been appointed as Province Chief, the crisis could have been avoided. Bhandari, appointed through UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s patronage, has sown distrust in Madhesh. Though she has now been replaced by Surendra Labh Karna, the episode has weakened federalism and exposed subversion of democratic norms. Although the current government, led by Sushila Karki, should focus on governance while respecting prior appointments, Madhesh’s political dynamics have forced even a change of the Province Chief. Attempting a Chief Minister’s appointment at a resort represents a shameful disregard for constitutional provisions. This behaviour has reignited public protests, and if left unaddressed through proper constitutional provisions and consultation with the parties, Madhesh could face further crises. The move of the sacked Province Chief has undermined the rules of the game. With groups seeking to destabilize society still active, this scandal should serve as a cautionary guide for all provincial governments.
