Kathmandu, July 27 -- Ranjita Shrestha Chaudhary, chair of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), has appointed senior party leader Shiva Bastola as acting chairperson, citing health reasons and an inability to fully engage in party affairs.

In a formal letter issued on Saturday, Shrestha designated Bastola to carry out the responsibilities of chair during her absence as per the party statute.

"In this difficult time, I hereby appoint you senior leader Shiva Bastola, as acting chairperson of the party until my health improves or further arrangements are made," the letter reads.

The move comes just a day after 12 members of the party's 20-member central committee issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding that Shrestha convene a meeting of the comm...