Bardibas: The Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, Saroj Kumar Yadav, resigned from his position today after the Supreme Court’s decision on December 1 mandated him to secure a vote of confidence within 24 hours. Facing an unlikely chance of gaining the necessary support, Yadav announced his resignation during the Province Assembly meeting.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Yadav, who served as the CPN (UML) parliamentary leader in the Madhesh Province Assembly, was appointed Chief Minister three weeks ago by the then Province Chief, Sumitra Subedi Bhandari. This appointment was made under Article 168 (3) of the Constitution as he was the leader of the largest political party in the Assembly. His early morning swearing-in ceremony at Bardibas-based Panas Cottage had already caused political controversy. Subsequently, the federal government removed Bhandari from her position and recommended Surendra Labh Karna as the new Province Chief.
During today’s Province Assembly session, no members from the seven opposition parties were present; only UML members attended. Ministers Kanchan Bichha from RPP and Bimala Ansari from the Nepal Sanghiya Samajbadi Party were also in attendance. Yadav, before announcing his resignation, stated that he believed he was not obligated to secure a vote of confidence due to the circumstances of his appointment. He emphasized that his short tenure was dedicated to people-centered service delivery. Highlighting the absence of the Province Assembly members, he stated, “I am here to secure votes from PA members, not these chairs. But they are not present. Therefore, I hereby announce my resignation.”
Deputy Speaker Babita Raut Ishar, who chaired the session, confirmed there was no need to proceed with the vote of confidence as Yadav had already resigned.