LAHAN, Oct 30: Madhesh Province Chief Minister (CM) Jitendra Prasad Sonal (Sonar) is set to seek a vote of confidence from the provincial assembly on November 8.
The decision was made at a meeting of the seven ruling parties held on Thursday morning. However, the provincial assembly has not yet been formally notified about the vote of confidence.
According to Ram Ashish Yadav, chief whip of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal, the ruling parties decided to seek the vote of confidence on November 8 and expand the Council of Ministers thereafter. He added that preparations are also being made to request support from the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML. Yadav said that since many issues were already settled during the formation of the government, the cabinet expansion would take place immediately after the vote of confidence.
Madhesh CM Yadav wins vote of confidence
Sonal was appointed CM with the support of 56 members from five political parties. The government has now also received backing from the Nagarik Unmukti Party and Rijwan Ansari-led Nepal Samajwadi Party, each of which has one member in the assembly. With their support, the Sonal-led government now commands the backing of 57 members.
Out of the 107-member provincial assembly, three members are currently suspended, leaving 104 active members. The Sonal government requires the support of 53 members to secure a majority.
The ruling coalition currently includes 18 members (one suspended) from JSP Nepal, 13 from Janamat Party, 9 from CPN (Maoist Centre), 8 from Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, 7 from CPN (Unified Socialist), and one each from Nagarik Unmukti Party and Nepal Samajwadi Party.
