Today, Chief Minister Hikmat Karki of Koshi Province is set to undergo a critical test of confidence as he faces a vote in the Provincial Assembly. The assembly has been convened for this purpose at 11 am.
In the 93-member assembly, securing the support of at least 47 members is pivotal for a majority. The political landscape reveals a diverse representation, with 40 MPs from UML, 29 from Nepali Congress, 13 from Maoist, 6 from Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), 4 from CPN (Unified Socialist), and 1 from JSP.
Under the constitutional framework outlined in Article 168 (5), Karki assumed office as Chief Minister on May 9th, backed by 39 UML MPs and 13 from the Maoist faction. However, this appointment has been challenged by outgoing Chief Minister Kedar Karki, who contends its constitutionality in a petition filed before the Supreme Court.
While the court has yet to issue an interim order on the writ, a full hearing is scheduled for May 9th. In response, the Nepali Congress has announced intentions to boycott today’s Provincial Assembly gathering, citing concerns over the pending legal challenge against Chief Minister Karki’s appointment process.
In anticipation of this consequential decision, the Congress has convened a parliamentary party meeting at 8 am to deliberate and determine its stance on the unfolding situation.
