Kathmandu: Hikmat Karki, the parliamentary party leader of CPN-UML, has been reappointed as the Chief Minister of Koshi Province, marking his third term in office.On Thursday, Province Chief Parshuram Khapung announced Karki’s appointment to the post.
This decision comes after Karki presented his claim for Chief Minister to Khapung, backed by 52 MPs, including 39 from UML and 13 from the Maoist Center. In accordance with Article 168 of the constitution, which allows any parliamentarian capable of securing a vote of confidence in the provincial assembly to stake their claim, Khapung invited eligible candidates to come forward.
Karki, having garnered support from 52 MPs in the 93-member provincial assembly, emerged as the leading contender. The political landscape in the province has been evolving, particularly after a significant shift in power dynamics at the center.
The withdrawal of support from Chief Minister Kedar Karki by 52 members of UML and Maoists prompted the reevaluation of leadership. With no resolution regarding a vote of confidence registered within 30 days of the withdrawal, as per constitutional provision, the Koshi Provincial Assembly Secretariat initiated the process for new leadership.
Before Karki submitted his claim, leaders from UML and Maoist Center parliamentary parties had urged the provincial chief to commence the government formation process.
Following consultations with legal experts, including the Attorney General of the Federal Government, Dr. Dinmani Pokharel, Province Chief Khapung decided to invite candidates capable of securing support from multiple parties to submit their claims.
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