KATHMANDU, APRIL 8In less than one-and-a-half year since the last election, the sixth government is all set to be formed by the current ruling coalition after CPN-UML and CPN-MC withdrew their support for Nepali Congess led government in Koshi on Monday.
Maoist Centre takes back support to Lumbini Province government Maoist Centre pulls out its support to Sudurpaschim province government CPN-UML and the Maoist Centre have withdrawn their support for the Kedar Karki-led Koshi province government and have also claimed for an alternative government under CPN-UML leader Hikmat Kumar Karki.Rewati Raman Bhandari, Chief Whip of the CPN-UML Koshi Provincial Assembly, told THT this step was taken in accordance with the apex court 's previous verdict.
"Despite that, if Kedar Karki does not follow the parliamentary and judicial process, we will let him sit alone in the CM's office." He also stated that "after withdrawing our support for the government, according to the Supreme Court's interpretation, Karki should take a vote of confidence.
That is why we, the majority of parliamentarians, have asked the provincial chief to convene a special session to appoint Hikmat Kumar Karki as Koshi's Chief Minister."When THT questioned him about political instability in Koshi province, he responded, "This is all happening because citizens do not give the majority of their votes to any one political party.
As a result, political instability will continue until a party like UML, wins the election with the majority."According to clause 5 of Article 168 of the Constitution, Kedar Karki, who was elected Chief Minister, is in the minority.
As a result, Hikmat Kumar Karki will be appointed sixth Chief Minister for the third time.Kedar Karki became Chief Minister on 14 October, 2023 after revolting within the Nepali Congress and forming an alliance with the then-major opposition party, the UML.
Koshi enjoyed political stability for several months since Kedar Karki took office as Chief Minister.
Otherwise, before Karki took over as the fifth CM in a year, the province was known for its constant political turbulence.Prior to him, Hikmat Karki of the UML and Uddhav Thapa of the Congress were both appointed chief minister twice, but their governments collapsed after failing to pass the floor test.Following the Provincial and House of Representatives elections on 20 November, 2022, the first government was formed on 8 January, 2022, led by Hikmat Karki and supported by the CPN-UML, CPN-MC, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal (JSP-N).The UML-led government was dissolved on 30 June, 2023, after the presidential election changed the central coalition.
As a result of the CPN-MC and JSP-N's decision to support Nepali Congress, Koshi's only UML-led provincial government collapsed.Then, on July 6, Congress leader Uddhav Thapa became Chief Minister with the support of NC, CPN-MC, CPN (Unified Socialist Party), and JSP-N.
The UML filed a petition with the Supreme Court afterThapa used the Speaker's signature during the vote of confidence.The Supreme Court annulled Thapa's appointment on July 27, ruling that the speaker could not support the government.
However, in accordance with Article 168, Clause 2 of the Constitution, Thapa was appointed Chief Minister on August 1 again, following the Supreme Court's directive to appoint the Chief Minister with the support of two or more parties.Following Thapa's reappointment, preparations were made to hold a vote of confidence on August 21.
However, he was unable to do so because various political dramas were unfolding.
In the Speakerless Koshi Assembly, where Deputy Speaker Srijana Danuwar unexpectedly became 'ill'.
Eight senior members of UML and RPP took leave at the same time.Thus, Israil Mansuri, a Congress MP, presided over the provincial assembly.
Thapa could not have become CM unless Mansuri voted for him.
Mansuri voted in favor of the Chief Minister.On August 23, the UML petitioned the Supreme Court again, claiming that the vote of confidence was unconstitutional and seeking a mandamus to form the government in accordance with Clause 3 of 168.Subsequently, the Supreme Court ruled that Thapa's vote of confidence violated the Constitution and ordered the formation of a new government by September 7 in accordance with Article 168(3).Later, on September 8, Hikmat Karki of the UML was appointed Chief Minister.
However, on October 7, Hikamat Karki resigned after failing to obtain a vote of confidence.Then, on October 14, Kedar Karki was appointed Chief Minister under clause 5 of Article 168 of the Constitution.
Following his rebellion against the Congress, he received support from the CPN-UML.On March 4, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ended the power alliance with the Nepali Congress and formed one with the CPN-UML, Rastriya Swatnatra Party (RSP), CPN (US) and JSP-N.As a result, 39 CPN-UML lawmakers have withdrawn their support for Kedar Karki's government and submitted claim to Provincial Head Prashuram Khapung to appoint UML-leader Hikamat Kumar Karki as Koshi's sixth Chief Minister.
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This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com