KATHMANDU: Minister for Youth and Sports Purushottam Paudel denied media reports that he was withdrawn from the Cabinet by his party, CPN-UML.

Earlier, it was reported that the party decided to remove Paudel from the Cabinet after he failed to oblige to the party’s directive to revoke the appointment of Keshav Kumar Bista as the Member-Secretary of National Sports Council.

"I have not received any directive from the party regarding the withdrawal," Minister Paudel told THT Online over phone, "Neither have I resigned from the post."

Likewise, UML Secretary Pradeep Gyawali also said the party has not made any formal decision regarding the issue.

Party sources said Chairman KP Sharma Oli-led faction is dissatisfied with Paudel's decision to appoint Bista without consulting the party.

Bista is said to be close to leader Madhav Kumar Nepal.

Earlier, it was reported that the party had asked Paudel to withdraw the appointment or put in papers.

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