After five years at the helm of Sudurpaschim province, Bhatta has returned to a modest routine behind a grocery shop counter.

The Rs7 billion Jalpa Devi Cable Car is expected to begin operations in November, linking Chisapani with Rajkanda in the Chure hills and opening up a new tourism destination in far-western Nepal.

The Nepali Communist Party has 12 lawmakers seeking five available posts as Chief Minister Bhatta works to balance competing claims.

Karnali Chief Minister Mangal Bahadur Shahi and Sudurpaschim Chief Minister Khagaraj Bhatta are seeking parliamentary backing as disputes over power-sharing threaten to complicate their coalitions.

Lamsal was flown from Baitadi to Kathmandu after falling ill, highlighting a stark contrast with residents who struggle to find ambulances, basic medicines and specialist care.

The physical infrastructure development minister developed symptoms of a viral infection and common cold while on a tour of far-western districts.

Members say lawmaking was a priority neither for the provincial government nor the assembly.

Weak project preparation, staff shortages and poor implementation continue to hold back capital spending.

Viral mountain destinations are attracting thousands of visitors, but neglected infrastructure threatens the region’s tourism ambitions.

Reduced to a minority after the UML withdrew support, the chief minister is banking on talks in Kathmandu as the province remains trapped in a fiscal vacuum.

Move follows escalating budget dispute between ruling coalition partners, with province heading towards a possible new political alignment.

Sudurpaschim’s abundant resources and prominent national leaders have done little to improve livelihoods, as chronic political instability and poor execution continue to undermine development.

Experts blame the worsening crisis in Kailali to declining rainfall, urban expansion, loss of natural recharge zones and the destruction of the Chure range.

Budgets focus on upgrading hospitals, expanding rural healthcare, strengthening maternal and specialist services, and improving access for vulnerable groups.

Locals and lawmakers criticise conduct as authorities say vehicle was removed during anti-encroachment drive.