Social Development Minister of Sudurpaschim province Dirgha Sodari was removed from his post on Tuesday.

Sources at the Sudurpaschim province Chief Minister’s Office confirmed removal of Sodari from the minister's post. But the reason behind his sacking has not been clarified yet.

It has been understood Sodari was relieved from his post over an accident of his vehicle on Friday (November 9). Sodari’s jeep had collided with a motorcycle (Se 3 Pa 2420) on Bhai Tika day at Badaipur in Kailali district along the East West Highway.

Three persons including driver Dhwojendra Shah, passenger Ayushma and motorcycle rider Surendra Chanda were injured in the incident. Sodari, however, was not in the vehicle during the accident.  

Meanwhile, Sodari said that he was removed from the post due to intra party factionalism.

“A group of people in the party were dissatisfied with my appointment as a minister from the very beginning. They were raising various issues against me since then,” Sodari said. He claimed that he is an honest cadre of the party.

It is believed that Sodari is close to Bhim Rawal in the party and Madhav Nepal in the upper level.

He has been accused of being involved in activities against his post.

Sources said provincial assembly member Krishna Raj Subedi is likely to replace Sodari as Social Development Minister.

Subedi was elected as Province Assembly member from Kailali Constituency No 4 (B).