After the Nepali Congress withdrew its support on Wednesday, the Madhes provincial government has been reduced to a minority.

The move left Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh with backing from only 32 provincial assembly members—24 from CPN-UML, seven from the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP), and himself—far short of the numbers needed for a simple majority.

The Janamat Party had already decided to demand the resignation of its own party leader Singh from the post of chief minister. “Even in Tuesday’s provincial assembly, all Janamat lawmakers except the chief minister sat on the opposition benches,” said a party leader.

With the Congress withdrawal, 72 lawmakers now stand in opposition, including 22 from Congress, 19 from Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), 12 from Janamat, nine from the CPN (Maoist Centre), seven from CPN (Unified Socialist) and one each from Nepal Sanghiya Samajwadi Party, Nagarik Unmukti and Rastriya Prajatantra Party.

Congress provincial assembly party leader Krishna Prasad Yadav confirmed the decision. “We are part of institutional politics. Since the Janamat Party has quit the government, we too will remain in the opposition," he said.

The Janamat Party had already informed the provincial chief and assembly secretariat of its withdrawal, but Chief Minister Singh has refused to resign, saying he will seek a vote of confidence. However, with Congress out, he lacks the numbers to survive.

Meanwhile, political manoeuvring has intensified. UML wants to save the government, while LSP is eyeing leadership under its own banner. And the largest party, the Congress, also wants to lead the government. “Once the chief minister fails the confidence vote, we will begin the process to form a new government,” Congress’ provincial assembly party leader Yadav said. The JSP, the second-largest party, has also signalled readiness to lead if circumstances favour it.

In the 107-strong Madhesh assembly, the support of 54 assembly members is required for a simple majority to lead the provincial executive.