President Ramchandra Paudel has removed Madhesh Province Head Sumitra Subedi Bhandari from her post.

The decision was made on Tuesday following a recommendation from the Council of Ministers, said Pradeep Kumar Koirala, spokesperson for the Office of the President.

The move comes after a dramatic turn of events on Monday, when Bhandari left Janakpur for Kathmandu at 4 am, citing health reasons and appointed CPN-UML leader Saroj Kumar Yadav as the new chief minister of Madhesh. Seven political parties in the province immediately protested, accusing her of violating the constitution. Clashes broke out in Janakpur, with party cadres vandalising areas outside the province head’s office.

Following the controversy, the Sushila Karki-led federal government recommended Bhandari’s dismissal and proposed Surendra Labh Karna as the new province head later on Monday evening.