Kathmandu, August 25.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s plan to reshuffle his cabinet has hit a roadblock as coalition partners push for changes while the Nepali Congress, a key partner in the government, remains reluctant. Oli currently leads a five-party coalition comprising the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and three smaller parties — Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP), and Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP).
JSP Seeks to Replace Two Ministers
Ashok Rai-led JSP has decided to withdraw its ministers — Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav and Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Nawal Kishor Sah. According to party leaders, an internal agreement had been made at the time of joining the government that ministers would serve only a one-year term. The party has already recommended Dr. Birendra Mahato and Ranju Jha as replacements. JSP currently has seven lawmakers in the House of Representatives.
LSP Pushes for Change in Labor Ministry
Similarly, Mahanta Thakur’s LSP has written to Prime Minister Oli requesting the removal of Labor Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari. The party has nominated Sarvendranath Shukla, senior vice-chair of the party, as his replacement. According to LSP leaders, Bhandari had agreed to leave the ministry after completing one year in office. LSP holds four seats in the House of Representatives.
NUP in Internal Conflict
The Nagarik Unmukti Party has plunged into further uncertainty after its Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Arun Chaudhary, tendered his resignation on July 6 following the party’s decision to withdraw support from the government. However, his resignation has not been accepted yet, and he has stopped attending the ministry.
Meanwhile, the party is divided over whether to remain in government or move to the opposition benches. Party patron Ranjita Shrestha has written to the Speaker demanding government bench seats, while another faction led by Ganga Ram Chaudhary has asked for opposition seats. The Speaker has yet to make a decision. NUP has four lawmakers in the House.
Oli’s Dilemma
With JSP and LSP pressing for immediate changes and NUP caught in internal disputes, Prime Minister Oli remains unable to carry out a reshuffle due to the Nepali Congress’ hesitation. The deadlock has fueled growing tension within the ruling coalition.
In short, Oli’s cabinet reshuffle is stuck between the small parties’ insistence on ministerial changes and Congress’ silence, leaving the future of the coalition uncertain.
