Kathmandu, 26 August:  After the tables turned in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, attention has now moved on to other provinces as far as leadership changed is concerned. And Province no 1 is one among the remaining provinces drawing attention with recent political developments at the centre. As a result, the term of Provincial Government of Province 1 hangs in the balance thanks to CPN (UML) split and the subsequent formation of CPN (United Socialist) party led by Madhab Kumar Nepal.

UML leader Sherdhan Rai was appointed the Chief Minister of the Province on 14 February 2018. He defeated Bhim Acharya by 26 votes against Acharya’s 24 in the parliamentary party leader election held within CPN (UML). One vote was disqualified. After three and half years in office, CM Rai’s chair hangs in the balance as is the case of his party CPN (UML) itself. To continue in office, CM Rai needs at least 47 votes which is still a hard possibility given uncertain trend of defection at the federal parliament.