Sherpa is the third UML leader to become Tourism Minister in the Koirala-led coalition government.

Before Amatya, another UML leader Bhim Acharya had been sacked from the

ministerial post. Amatya had tendered his resignation on Thursday after UML leaders criticised him for “failing to deliver” as Tourism Minister by terming his performance as “weak”.

Amatya’s resignation comes nine months after he was appointed to the post of Tourism Minister following party colleague Bhim Acharya’s resignation from the post.

Without formally disclosing the main reason behind removing Acharya from the ministerial post, the UML had about a year ago recommended Amatya, who is close to party’s senior leader and former prime minister Jhala Nath Khanal, as the new Tourism Minister.

Sherpa is considered close to UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s camp.

After being replaced by Amatya, Acharya had claimed that he was removed from the position due to his failure to work in as per the instruction of UML party leadership’s interests.

In Amatya’s case, the party has said that his performance was not satisfactory despite getting important position in the Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Amatya has claimed that he was forced to step down following the lackadaisical relief and rescue operations initiated “by the government in response to the devastating earthquake.

“I did my best to carry out immediate relief and rescue efforts keeping by upholding national interests, constitution and Nepali law,” Amatya has stated in his resignation letter.

Tourism Ministry officials say Amatya was mainly accused of failing to properly handle foreign aircraft that had landed in Kathmandu to carry out relief and rescue operations and efficiently manage Tribhuvan International Airport following the devastating earthquake of April 25.

Dissatisfied with the line ministry’s role, Prime Minister Koirala has handed over the responsibility of managing the airport to Irrigation Minister NP Saud.