KATHMANDU, Aug 2: Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Dirgha Bahadur Sodari is scheduled to take a vote of confidence today. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Sodari requested the Provincial Assembly Secretariat to schedule a meeting for this purpose.
Following the Chief Minister's request, Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari has scheduled the Provincial Assembly meeting for 4 PM today, as said by Yubraj Jaishi, Information Officer of the Provincial Assembly.
Sudurpaschim CM Sodari to take vote of confidence on Friday
Chief Minister Sodari must secure a vote of confidence within 30 days due to a change in political dynamics after the UML withdrew its support on July 4. Following the alliance between UML and the Nepali Congress, CM Sodari has fallen into a minority.
Currently, Sodari has the support of only 15 members: 10 from the CPN (Maoist Center), four from the CPN (Unified Socialist) Party, and one from the Ranjita faction of the Nagarik Unmukti Party. However, 27 votes are required for a majority in the 53-member Provincial Assembly.
In opposition, there are 18 members from the Nepali Congress, 11 from the CPN-UML, 6 from the Nagarik Unmukti Party, and 1 each from the RPP and an independent provincial lawmaker.
Since UML withdrew its support, Sodari has been unable to pass this year's budget, leaving the Sudurpaschim budget in limbo since July 16.
