Hetauda | Nepali Congress leader Indra Bahadur Baniya has been appointed as the sixth Chief Minister of Bagmati Province. On August 5, 2025 (20th of Shrawan, 2082 BS), Province Head Deepak Prasad Devkota administered the oath of office and secrecy to Baniya under Article 168 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.
Baniya secured his position with the backing of 64 provincial assembly members — 37 from Nepali Congress and 27 from CPN-UML — crossing the simple majority threshold of 56 in the 110-member Bagmati Provincial Assembly.
Political Journey: From Student Politics to Chief Minister
Born in 1970 (2027 BS) in Harnamadi, Makwanpur, Indra Bahadur Baniya began his political journey through student and youth organizations. He joined politics in 1987 (2044 BS) through the Nepal Student Union (NSU). By 1992, he became the vice-president of Makwanpur Campus NSU, later serving as district secretary and president of Nepal Tarun Dal (youth wing of Nepali Congress).
His rise in mainstream politics came when he was elected as a Constituent Assembly member in 2013 (2070 BS) from Makwanpur–1, defeating the traditionally strong CPN-UML candidate. This victory made headlines as Congress broke into what was once known as the “red fortress” of Makwanpur.
Following his victory, he was appointed State Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation in 2016, and later, State Minister for Home Affairs in 2017.
After Nepal adopted federalism, Baniya was elected to the Bagmati Provincial Assembly in 2017 (2074 BS) from Makwanpur–2 (B). He then became the first Parliamentary Party leader of Congress in Bagmati Province, playing a crucial role as opposition leader. In 2021 (2078 BS), he was also elected as the Bagmati Province Congress President.
Baniya’s road to becoming Chief Minister was not easy. In late 2024 (2081 BS), he contested for the Congress Parliamentary Party leadership but was defeated by Bahadur Singh Lama.
However, internal rifts within Congress gave him a second chance. On July 24, 2025 (9th Shrawan), a no-confidence motion was filed against Lama. Four days later, on July 28 (13th Shrawan), the motion was passed. Subsequently, Baniya was re-elected as the Parliamentary Party leader on July 30 (15th Shrawan), winning 22 votes against Lama’s 14, with one invalid vote.
Backed by the Congress-UML coalition, Baniya staked his claim to the Chief Ministership and was formally appointed on August 5, 2025.
Alongside Baniya’s oath, ministers from both Congress and UML also took office. UML secured six ministerial portfolios, while Congress got seven ministries including the Chief Minister. Due to internal disputes, Congress initially nominated only two ministers, with more expected in the coming days.
According to coalition sources, there is a power-sharing agreement between Congress and UML, under which Baniya will lead the government for eight months, after which UML will take over leadership.
Challenges Ahead
As Chief Minister, Baniya faces a long list of challenges:
- Maintaining coalition stability between two rival national parties, Congress and UML.
- Delivering development and governance reforms in Bagmati, the most politically significant province that also houses the federal capital, Kathmandu.
- Strengthening provincial autonomy, particularly in areas of agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial development.
- Meeting public expectations at a time when trust in provincial governments is low due to perceived inefficiency and overspending.
Baniya has emphasized his commitment to democratic values, transparency, and inclusive governance, stating that his leadership will focus on strengthening both the party and the province.
Quick Profile: Indra Bahadur Baniya
- Full Name: Indra Bahadur Baniya
- Date of Birth: August 31, 1970 (15th Bhadra 2027 BS)
- Birthplace: Harnamadi-4, Makwanpur, Nepal
- Political Party: Nepali Congress
- Constituency: Makwanpur–2 (B) Provincial Assembly
- Political Positions Held:
- State Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (2016)
- State Minister for Home Affairs (2017)
- Member of Constituent Assembly (2013)
- Provincial Assembly Member (2017–Present)
- Congress Bagmati Province President (2021–Present)
- Current Role: Chief Minister of Bagmati Province (August 2025–Present)
Indra Bahadur Baniya’s appointment marks a new political chapter for Bagmati Province. From student politics in Makwanpur to holding state ministerships at the federal level, and now leading the most influential province in Nepal, his journey highlights both persistence and political strategy.
With coalition politics in play and rising public expectations, Baniya’s leadership will be a litmus test for stability, governance, and effective federalism in Nepal.
