Hikmat Karki Claims Chief Minister Post in Koshi Province

Hikmat Karki, the leader of the CPN (UML) Koshi Province Parliamentary Party, has formally staked a claim to become the Chief Minister of Koshi Province. This move comes after Province Chief Parshuram Khapung invited political parties to propose a new government under Article 168 (5) of the Constitution of Nepal.

Hikmat Karki, who previously held the Chief Minister position, secured the support of 39 UML MPs and 13 MPs from the Maoist Center. This coalition forms a majority in the 93-member Koshi Province Assembly.

The political shift follows the withdrawal of support for the current Chief Minister, Kedar Karki, by 52 lawmakers on April 8. This significant change was spurred by the formation of a new ruling alliance at the center on March 4.

In response, the ousted Chief Minister Kedar Karki is challenging the legality of the Province Chief’s actions by filing a writ petition at the Supreme Court today. Kedar Karki claims that the call for forming a new government is unconstitutional.

The situation in Koshi Province remains dynamic as political leaders navigate these complex developments.