JANAKPUR: Madhes Province is witnessing a stark deviation from established political decorum. Traditionally, outgoing chief ministers customarily vacate the official residence following the succession.

However, Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav, though duly appointed and sworn in, finds his official residence occupied by his predecessor, former Chief Minister Jitendra Sonal. Sonal’s administration, which lasted a mere 25 days before succumbing to a failed confidence vote on November 9, now utilizes the residence as a base for ongoing seven-party political engagements.

On November 11, Chief Minister Yadav assumed office amid tight security at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, located in Madhes Bhawan. Though he goes to the office when necessary, he spends only a short time there before returning. Currently, he is living in a rented house in Ramanand Chowk. He is being provided security there by a team from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police.

Chief Minister Yadav states that it is improper for the outgoing Chief Minister not to vacate the official residence and to occupy the Chief Minister’s chair. He argues that talking about constitutional supremacy while personally engaging in illegal activities is wrong. “Now the issue of my appointment has reached the court. The court will provide a solution. But occupying the Chief Minister’s residence and using the chair that the Chief Minister utilizes is inappropriate. This is not even right for a democratic system,” he said.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Yadav addressed the people of the province from his rented residence, stating that he faces a security risk from the agitators.

Meanwhile, outgoing Chief Minister Sonal admits he is residing in the Chief Minister’s residence and describes it as a form of protest. “How can we allow a chief minister appointed in an unconstitutional manner to enter the residence? This is also a kind of agitation,” said outgoing Chief Minister Sonal, adding, “Why does a chief minister who took the oath in a hotel need the chief minister’s residence?”

The then Chief of Madhes Province, Sumitra Subedi Bhandari, appointed Saroj Kumar Yadav, the parliamentary party leader of CPN (UML), as the Chief Minister pursuant to Article 168 Sub-clause 3 of the Constitution.

Following his oath ceremony at a hotel in Bardibas, Mahottari, seven parties, including the Nepali Congress, Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal, Janamat Party, and Maoist Center, have been engaged in protest.

Arguing that forming a government under Sub-clause 3 when there was a possibility of forming a government under Article 168 Sub-clause 2 of the Constitution is unconstitutional, they have been protesting daily in front of Madhes Bhawan. Provincial Assembly members representing the seven parties also participate in the protest programs.

Due to the agitation, the work in most ministries of Madhes is currently stalled. Employees are also fearful after the agitators assaulted some of them. Some employees come to the office, mark their attendance, and leave. Others have not shown up at all.