Key Takeaways:

• CM Shah dismissed four UML ministers over budget dispute
• Ministers given one-hour ultimatum to clarify party's position
• Move intensifies coalition tensions ahead of budget passage

DHANGADHI, JULY 15 Sudurpashchim Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah on Tuesday dismissed all four ministers from the CPN-UML after the party failed to clarify its position on the provincial budget. Before the dismissal, Chief Minister Shah had summoned the UML ministers to the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers and sought the party's official stance on the budget. He reportedly gave the ministers a one-hour ultimatum to either support the budget, withdraw from the government, or have the party revoke its support for the coalition, saying it was inappropriate to remain in government while opposing the budget. Less than an hour after issuing the ultimatum, Shah dismissed all four UML ministers from the provincial cabinet. The move comes amid growing tensions within the ruling coalition over the passage of the provincial budget. Further political developments are expected following the dismissal.