KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has instructed its lawmakers to vote against the trust motion for Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister (CM) Dirgha Bahadur Sodari, who is scheduled to face a confidence vote today (Friday).
A meeting of the CPN-UML parliamentary party in Dhangadhi decided that all party members must attend the provincial assembly session and oppose CM Sodari. This directive comes after the formation of a coalition between CPN-UML and Nepali Congress at the central level, prompting UML to withdraw support from the Sudurpaschim government.
CM Sodari had requested the Provincial Assembly Secretariat to arrange the vote of confidence, leading Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari to schedule the meeting for 4 PM today. Under constitutional requirements, CM Sodari must secure a confidence vote within 30 days of losing coalition support.
Currently, CM Sodari has backing from 10 lawmakers of the CPN (Maoist Center), four from Unified Socialist, and one from the Nagarik Unmukti Party. With a total of 53 members in the provincial assembly, Sodari needs at least 27 votes to remain in office.
