Dhangadhi, Sept. 26 -- A broad commercial junction stretches in front of the Cottage and Small Industries Office in ward 4 of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City. A busy hospital, a shopping complex and a supermarket are nearby, while the provincial head's office stands directly across the road. The area comes alive early each morning.

On the ground floor of a building at the heart of the junction is a small grocery store called New Prasthan Kirana Pasal. Customers begin arriving early. The shopkeeper serves them, prepares their bills and sends them on their way with a smile.

The shopkeeper is Trilochan Bhatta, the first chief minister of Sudurpaschim province.

Bhatta, who led the provincial government for the full five-year term of its fi...