Kathmandu, 1August, 2025. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is pressing for a cabinet reshuffle amidst growing criticism over underperforming and controversial ministers. However, the process has stalled due to Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s unwillingness to replace key ministers from his party’s quota.
Deuba is firm on retaining Foreign Minister Arzu Rana, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh, and Health Minister Pradeep Paudel. He fears that removing them could upset the internal balance of power within the party.
On the other hand, PM Oli wants to retain Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel and Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, both seen as key figures in the UML-led administration. Recently appointed ministers like Education Minister Raghuji Pant and Federal Affairs Minister Bhagwati Neupane are also likely to continue.
Several UML ministers have faced controversy, including Land Reform Minister Balram Adhikari, who is embroiled in a corruption scandal related to a land deal in Pokhara. Similarly, former Minister for Federal Affairs Rajkumar Gupta resigned following bribery allegations.
Meanwhile, leadership changes in Bagmati Province are also under discussion, but Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama’s refusal to resign has complicated the process. Discussions are ongoing between the ruling parties on how to proceed.
Despite the buzz, both government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung and Nepali Congress Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka have publicly denied any formal talks on reshuffling the cabinet so far. They claim no such agenda has been raised in recent meetings. Still, persistent rumors and internal deliberations within both major parties suggest that a reshuffle may be on the horizon.
