Chief Minister Kedar Karki Passes Floor Test in Koshi Province

Chief Minister Kedar Karki of Koshi province secured a majority in the provincial assembly during a crucial floor test held on Wednesday. The Nepali Congress (NC) leader received substantial support, effectively solidifying his position at the helm of the province.

With 86 votes in favor, Chief Minister Karki successfully obtained the confidence of the 93-strong provincial assembly, while five lawmakers voted against his government. Notably, a diverse coalition of political parties, including the CPN-UML, NC, CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist), and Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), supported Karki’s leadership.

Karki’s claim for the chief minister’s position was backed by a coalition of lawmakers, with signatures from 47 members, including eight from the Nepali Congress, and 39 from the CPN-UML. This move contradicted the central government’s support for Indra Angbo of the CPN (Maoist Center) as the coalition candidate.

Kedar Karki was officially sworn in as the chief minister of Koshi on Sunday, following his appointment to the post in accordance with Article 168 (5) of the Constitution.

The composition of the provincial assembly includes 29 seats for the Nepali Congress, 13 for the CPN (Maoist Center), four for the CPN (Unified Socialist), and one for the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP). The UML holds the largest number of seats, with 40, including the deputy speaker, while the RPP has six seats.

This political development follows the resignation of Karki’s predecessor, UML leader Hikmat Kumar Karki, on October 7, after it became evident that he would not secure the necessary support in a floor test. Kedar Karki’s successful floor test has brought stability to Koshi province and signaled a shift in the political landscape.