Samajwadi withdraws support from Laxman Kishor in Sudurpaschim govt formation

KATHMANDU: The Unified Samajwadi Party has withdrawn its support for Laxman Kishor Chaudhary, who represents the Nagarik Unmukti Party, as the Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim State.

This decision comes after the ruling coalition’s four parties agreed to appoint Samajwadi’s Long Sodari as the Chief Minister of the State.

Following this agreement within the ruling alliance, the Samajwadi Party revoked its support for Chaudhary.

The leader of the Samajwadi Party, Dilig Sodari, personally visited the state head office to formally withdraw the party’s support.

On April 14, with the backing of the Nepali Congress, Samajwadi Party, and RPP, Lakshman Kishore Chaudhary of Nagarik Unmukti Party had staked a claim to the Chief Minister’s position.

He claimed to have the support of 29 lawmakers, including 18 from the Congress, 4 from the Samajwadi Party, 1 from RPP, and 7 from Swatantra.

Following the withdrawal of support from the Samajwadi Party, Laxman Kishor is now left with the backing of 25 State Assembly members.

However, 2 out of the 7 members from his own party are not in favor of supporting him. With the Samajwadi Party’s decision to retract its support during the meeting, and no clear majority claimed by any contender, the provincial head may opt to extend the deadline for the Chief Minister’s claim.

On April 14, Kailash Chaudhary also staked a claim for the Chief Minister’s position advocating for Nagarik Unmukti Party.

Currently, there are 52 State Assembly members in Sudurpaschim State, with 53 originally, but one member has passed away. To form a government, 27 MPs are required.