Two fringe parties–the Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) and the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP)—that are in the ruling coalition have urged Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to reshuffle ministers.

The JSP’s central executive committee decided on Saturday to recall its ministers and replace them with new faces, giving Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli an ultimatum to make the changes by Wednesday.

The JSP wants its ministers, Pradeep Yadav, minister for water supply, and Nawal Kishore Sah Sudi, minister for women, children and senior citizens, to be replaced by Birendra Mahato and Ranju Kumari Jha, respectively. Yadav has resisted stepping down, prompting the party to issue the ultimatum.

JSP lawmaker Birendra Mahato said the ministers were initially expected to serve for one year, following a three-month arrangement under the UML-Maoist coalition before an understanding with Congress.

“The party submitted names for the ministers, but as the changes have not been made, it had to issue an ultimatum,” he said. “If our ministers are not replaced by August 27, the party will quit the government.”

Similarly, the LSP on July 21 proposed replacing Minister for Labour and Employment Sharat Singh Bhandari with Sarbendra Nath Shukla, but Prime Minister Oli did not act.

LSP Chairman Mahantha Thakur recently met Oli to press the issue. Shukla said the delay was due to the prime minister, not an internal party dispute. “A year ago, the party decided at my residence that Bhandari would serve first, and I would follow. It was not a dispute but a delay from the prime minister,” he said.

Prime Minister Oli reportedly planned to strengthen the government and address internal dissatisfaction by replacing at least four UML ministers. However, the process has stalled as Congress has refused to change its ministers.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, who also serves as government spokesperson, said JSP and LSP had suggested the changes.

“They requested it, so it should be done. The prime minister may prefer to replace all ministers at once,” he said.

Gurung said Congress is not currently in favour of changing its ministers. “The prime minister prefers to make changes together, but if not, ministers from JSP and LSP can still be replaced,” he said, adding that UML’s decision to replace its ministers is independent and not contingent on Congress.

Within the JSP, the ministerial changes have sparked tension between party chair Ashok Rai and Deputy General Secretary and Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav.

Mahato warned that disputes could escalate if ministers refuse to step down. “We hope the prime minister replaces our ministers; otherwise, serious internal problems may arise. The party may not split, but disputes will grow,” he said.

The JSP holds seven seats in the House of Representatives. The party, once united under Upendra Yadav-led JSP-Nepal, split to form the JSP under Ashok Rai.

The LSP has four lawmakers. Under constitutional provisions, if either party withdraws support, the prime minister must face a confidence vote within 30 days in the House of Representatives.

Earlier, Nagrik Unmukti had withdrawn support over internal disputes and sat in opposition in the House. Tourism State Minister Arun Kumar Chaudhary did not resign, and the party later rejoined the government after the Election Commission recognised Ranjita Shrestha as chairperson, reducing the pressure on the prime minister for a confidence vote.

However, the JSP and LSP ultimatums, combined with Congress’s reluctance to replace ministers, continue to pressure Prime Minister Oli.

No prior agreement to step down after one year: Minister Pradeep Yadav

You have completed one year as minister. With increasing pressure from the party to replace ministers, what is your response?

We have been working hard to make the government successful. We are performing our duties sincerely. Some try to turn politics into a business, but their actions will not affect this government.

The party has decided to recall ministers and appoint new ones. Are you aware of this decision?

We are not aware of it.

The party has issued an ultimatum to replace ministers by Wednesday. How will the party proceed?

We do not have information about the party's internal decision. The rest will be dealt with later.

Was there an agreement when you became minister to step down after one year for another lawmaker to take the position?

There was no such agreement.

Do you believe ministers should continue working without obstruction?

The government is the place to serve the public. Some try to turn politics into a business, even within our party. The prime minister has not said anything regarding ministerial changes. I have focused on showing results by running my ministry effectively.