Ranjita Shrestha Chaudhary, chair of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), has appointed senior party leader Shiva Bastola as acting chairperson, citing health reasons and an inability to fully engage in party affairs.

In a formal letter issued on Saturday, Shrestha designated Bastola to carry out the responsibilities of chair during her absence as per the party statute.

“In this difficult time, I hereby appoint you senior leader Shiva Bastola, as acting chairperson of the party until my health improves or further arrangements are made,” the letter reads.

The move comes just a day after 12 members of the party’s 20-member central committee issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding that Shrestha convene a meeting of the committee.

The members cited repeated refusals by the chair to call meetings despite multiple requests and warned that failure to do so would result in them convening a meeting themselves on Sunday to take “necessary decisions” under clause 41(6) of the party’s statute.

The developments mark a new chapter in the internal rift within the NUP, which has four seats in the House of Representatives, as frustrations over leadership style and decision-making have been growing.

While Shrestha remains party chair, her temporary step-back appears to be an attempt to ease mounting internal pressure and maintain organisational continuity.

Shrestha, who also faces legal scrutiny over her alleged involvement in the Batulechaur land scam, had recently appeared before the anti-graft body for questioning.

With internal dissent escalating and legal clouds looming, the party now faces a critical juncture in defining its leadership direction and political relevance.