CPN-UML vice-chair Bhim Rawal, a leader close to Madhav Nepal, has resigned as a Member of Parliament.

“I'm at the parliament secretariat to register my resignation,” said Bhim Rawal, a member of the task force representing the Nepal faction of the UML. “I’ve decided to resign as I am frustrated by immoral politics within the party.”

Rawal’s resignation comes ahead of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s vote of confidence in the restored House of Representatives.

Deuba’s decision to seek a vote of confidence on the first day of the meeting of the House had created confusion within the Nepal faction of the UML, as Nepal stood firm on supporting Deuba despite some second-rung leaders against it.

As many as 23 lawmakers from the Nepal faction had supported Deuba-led alliance’s petition at the Supreme Court demanding restoration of the House and his appointment as prime minister.

After the Supreme Court passed a verdict in Deuba’s favour, Nepal had said his faction’s relevance in the alliance had ended. But the UML’s establishment side led by Oli had closed the door for Nepal, thereby prompting the latter to vote in favour of Deuba during the trust vote.

Earlier on Sunday, Nepal made it clear that he would vote for Deuba even if all lawmakers from his alliance decided to vote against.

The Nepal faction’s support would be crucial for Deuba to win the vote of confidence. Deuba’s failure to win the trust vote in the House would lead to dissolution of the House and snap polls within six months.

Lawmakers including Metmani Chaudhary, Birodh Khatiwada and Ram Kumari Jhakri have been saying that they would save the Parliament by voting in favour of Deuba.

“It’s our duty to save the Parliament,” said Khatiwada. “We won't let the Parliament get dissolved again.”

Jhala Nath Khanal, a key member of the Nepal faction, also has said that they should vote in favour of Deuba.

Issuing a press statement, Khanal, who is currently in India for treatment, has urged the party leaders to vote for Deuba.

Rawal had played a crucial role in drafting of the 10-point agreement for party unity on the night of July 11, a day before the Supreme Court passed its verdict ordering Deuba’s appointment as prime minister and reinstatement of the House. Madhav Nepal, however, refused to own up to the document.

The Nepal faction’s support would be crucial for Deuba to win the vote of confidence. Deuba’s failure to win the trust vote in the House would lead to dissolution of the House and snap polls within six months.