KATHMANDU: The CPN (Maoist Centre) has exited the Karnali provincial government just 79 days after joining. The Maoist Centre had four ministers in the UML-led government formed on April 30, 2024. These ministers included Mahendra KC (Economic Affairs and Planning), Durga Bahadur Raut (Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment), Ransingh Pariyar (Water Resources and Energy Development), and Bir Bahadur Shahi (Social Development).

At a joint press conference on Monday, the Maoist Centre ministers announced their resignation and withdrawal of support from the government. They cited changing political circumstances as the reason for their departure, despite achieving notable progress, particularly in preparing the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2081/82.

With the Maoist Centre’s exit, the Nepali Congress is expected to become part of the government. Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel will now need to secure a vote of confidence within the next month to ensure the stability of his administration.