Kathmandu— Khaga Raj Bhatta, Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province, has successfully obtained a vote of confidence from the Sudurpaschim Province Assembly. The proposal for the vote was presented by Bhatta himself and passed with 31 votes in its favour during a meeting held today, according to Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari. Support from the CPN (UML) proved crucial in securing his position as chief minister.

Vote Outcome

The motion for confidence received 31 affirmative votes, ensuring Bhatta’s continued leadership of Sudurpaschim Province. A total of 15 votes were cast against the proposal.

The Nepali Communist Party holds 22 seats in the assembly, while CPN (UML) contributes 11 members. The Nepali Congress has 14 representatives and the RPP is represented by one member.

Absentee Members

Despite the successful vote, several members of the Nepali Congress were absent from today’s meeting. Padam Shahi, Man Bahadur Rawal, and Madhu Bharati did not participate in the proceedings.

The Sudurpaschim Province Assembly currently includes one speaker and has one member suspended.

Political Alignment

The support of CPN (UML) was a key factor in securing Bhatta’s position. As leader of the Nepali Communist Party's parliamentary party within the province, Bhatta benefited from this cross-party backing.

With the vote of confidence secured, Chief Minister Bhatta is expected to continue leading the Sudurpaschim Province government.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.