DANG, April 25: Attempts to dissuade the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) from leaving the Lumbini government are underway. 

Bhandari Lal Ahir, who recently assumed the role of Minister of Agriculture and Land Management from the JSP, tendered his resignation to Chief Minister (CM) of Lumbini Province, Jokh Bahadur Mahara. However, his resignation has yet to be accepted.

"I have submitted my resignation following the party's instructions. The party's decisions must be respected," said Ahir. "As of now, I have not received any confirmation regarding the acceptance of my resignation." 

Ahir mentioned that discussions are ongoing between the JSP and the leading Maoist faction within the government.

The ruling party, dominated by the Maoists, is reluctant to let the JSP, a member of the central alliance, quit the province government. Ahir said, "There have been discussions between our party chairman and the prime minister regarding my resignation, but no clear directives have been received yet. I will adhere to the party's decisions."

Despite Ahir's resignation, ruling parties assert that the JSP remains part of the government. 

Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Chet Narayan Acharya from CPN-UML has refuted claims of the JSP's exit. "The JSP remains part of the government. Minister of Agriculture from the JSP is still actively serving his term,” he said.

The JSP had earlier threatened to exit the government if not granted two ministries. CM Mahara faces mounting pressure to honor this agreement. However, accommodating another ministry for the JSP would necessitate increasing the overall number of ministries, posing a challenge due to UML's objections.

Ahir's name still appears on the list of ministers following the recent reshuffling of ministerial responsibilities, designating him as the Minister of Agriculture and Land Management.

 
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