Nepal govt sacks Madhesh Province head Mrs Bhandari

Kathmandu -  President Ramchandra Paudel has removed Madhesh Province Head Sumitra Subedi Bhandari from her post.

The decision was made on Tuesday following a recommendation from the Council of Ministers, a spokesperson for the Office of the President said.

The move comes after Bhandari administered oath of office to CPN-UML leader Saroj Kumar Yadav as the new chief minister of Madhesh on early Monday at a hotel in Bardibas.

Seven political parties in the province immediately protested, accusing her of violating the constitution.

Clashes broke out in Janakpur, with party cadres vandalising areas outside the province head’s office.

Following the controversy, the Sushila Karki-led interim government recommended Bhandari’s dismissal and proposed Surendra Labh Karna as the new province head the same day.

Lawmakers from seven political parties staged a sit-in outside Madhesh Bhawan in Janakpur on Tuesday, protesting Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav’s appointment.

The lawmakers, who have been demonstrating since Monday, gathered near the main gate of the provincial headquarters after security officials restricted their entry into the building. Security has been tightened around Madhesh Bhawan, and vehicle movement along the adjoining road has been halted.

The protesting parties exclude CPN-UML, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and Sanghiya Samajbadi Party, which support Yadav. Political tension has escalated in the province since the province head appointed UML’s Yadav as chief minister and also administered the oath of office.

Opposition lawmakers had vandalised the chief minister’s residence on Monday in protest against the appointment.