Kathmandu: A major political upheaval has gripped the Bagmati Province government after four ministers from the Nepali Congress resigned in protest against their own party’s Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama, signaling an internal rebellion.

The ministers who tendered their resignations are:

-Bimal Thakuri (Culture and Tourism)

-Madhu Kumar Shrestha (Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation)

-Min Krishna Maharjan (Youth and Sports)

-Suraj Chandra Lamichhane (Internal Affairs and Law)

Sources say the resignations were submitted directly to Chief Minister Lama via WhatsApp, as part of a broader strategy to oust Lama from the leadership of the party's provincial parliamentary wing.

In a further blow to Lama’s position, 21 out of 37 Nepali Congress lawmakers in the Bagmati Province Assembly have signed a no-confidence motion against him. Although several other lawmakers are reportedly sympathetic to the cause, they have not publicly committed.

Indra Bahadur Baniya, a senior leader and Province President, is emerging as a top contender for the Chief Minister’s post. The Baniya faction has gained momentum, particularly after Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba reportedly asked Lama to step down. However, Lama has remained defiant and refuses to resign.

The political crisis stems from deep internal disagreements over the fiscal year 2082/83 budget, which has escalated into a full-fledged power struggle. Lama had narrowly defeated Baniya in the parliamentary party election on December 13, 2079, winning by just five votes.

Now, Baniya appears to be at the center of a push for change, raising serious doubts over the stability of the Bagmati Province government. The crisis is likely to culminate in either Lama’s resignation or a loss in a vote of confidence in the provincial assembly.