Hikmat Karki Sworn In as Chief Minister of Koshi Province

Hikmat Karki, the parliamentary party leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Koshi Province on Thursday. This marks his third term in this position. The oath ceremony, presided over by Province Chief Parshuram Khapung, signifies a pivotal shift in the province’s political landscape.

Karki’s reappointment comes after he successfully demonstrated the backing of 52 Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Province Chief, consolidating support from both his party and allies in the Maoist Center. His previous terms and political acumen have played a significant role in garnering this substantial support, with 39 MPs from UML and 13 from the Maoist Center standing with him.

In a concurrent development, Kedar Karki, the outgoing Chief Minister, has legally challenged the process that led to the formation of a new government and the appointment of Hikmat Karki. The case is expected to be heard on Friday.

The appointment follows a significant shift as 52 members from both UML and the Maoist faction withdrew their support from Kedar Karki. The withdrawal and subsequent lack of a confidence vote within the required 30-day period, as stipulated by the constitution, prompted the Koshi Provincial Assembly Secretariat to initiate the process for forming a new government.