CPN-UML Withdraws Support from Pushpa Kamal Dahal's Government

The CPN-UML has withdrawn its support from the government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal after he refused to resign and facilitate the formation of a new government. All UML ministers arrived at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday evening to inform Dahal of their party's decision.

This development follows Dahal's rejection of calls from both the Nepali Congress (NC) and the UML to step down. In a sudden shift in national politics, the UML severed its alliance with the Maoist Center and formed a new coalition with the NC on Monday at midnight, leaving Dahal in the minority.

UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula stated that they decided to submit the collective resignation of all UML ministers as per the party's decision. A UML Secretariat meeting had previously decided to withdraw support from the government after Dahal ignored their request to step down.

The UML ministers in Dahal's cabinet, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Raghubir Mahaseth, included:

- Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Padam Giri
- Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Jwala Kumari Sah
- Industry, Commerce and Supply Minister Damodar Bhandari
- Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Minister Balram Adhikari
- Water Supply Minister Rajendra Kumar Rai
- Women, Children and Senior Citizens Minister Bhagwati Chaudhary
- Defense Minister Hari Prasad Upreti

According to Article 100 (2) of the Constitution, the Prime Minister must table a motion in the House of Representatives for a vote of confidence within thirty days if his political party is divided or if a coalition partner withdraws support. Therefore, following the UML's decision, Prime Minister Dahal must seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives within thirty days of the UML's formal notification of withdrawal of support.