Sumana Shrestha slams PM after education minister resigns

KATHMANDU: Following the resignation of Education Minister Bidya Bhattarai, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Sumana Shrestha has sharply criticized the government through social media.

A Facebook post issued by Shrestha’s secretariat stated, “The Education Minister resigned, but it should have been the Prime Minister. But of course, ‘that’s not necessary,’ is it?” — expressing clear dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister’s leadership.

Minister Bhattarai submitted her resignation to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Monday, amid a peak in the ongoing teachers’ protest movement.

Disagreements between the Prime Minister and Bhattarai had been simmering for months, particularly concerning educational reforms, the School Education Bill, and the involvement of the private sector in education.

In recent party meetings, Bhattarai had openly expressed displeasure over the Prime Minister’s handling of the bill, accusing him of making reckless remarks.

The PM’s stance in favor of encouraging private investment in schools while safeguarding public education reportedly clashed with Bhattarai’s position — tensions that many believe ultimately led to her resignation.