Nepal’s Koshi Province Government Talks Begin After Chief Minister Karki Keeps Post

Talks between Nepal’s Communist Party (NCP) and the NCP (Unified Marxist-Leninist) have begun in Koshi Province, 13 days after the central leadership agreed to a power-sharing deal. The discussions started on Friday, focusing on the government’s work direction and power sharing, after Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki’s continuation was ensured.

Earlier, uncertainty had loomed over Koshi Province as NCP (Unified Marxist-Leninist) Chairman KP Sharma Oli had sought to change the chief minister. However, after the party decided to continue Karki’s leadership on Wednesday, NCP leaders visited the chief minister’s residence for talks on Friday.

The discussions centered on the new government’s work procedure, ministry allocation, and policy priorities. The talks are expected to conclude by Monday. According to NCP parliamentary party leader Indra Bahadur Angbo, the discussions covered the government’s minimum common program, budget review, and the renaming of Koshi Province.

‘The communist party itself had named the province. It is also the communist party’s responsibility to address the people’s demand,’ Angbo said, ‘Our party is ready to reconsider the name. They have asked us to discuss and reach a conclusion at the center.’

Angbo added that the ministry allocation would be finalized on Monday. As per the power-sharing agreement between the NCP and the NCP (Unified Marxist-Leninist), the latter would get five ministries, while the former would receive four. ‘The government cannot run in the old style; we have discussed forming a joint minimum program and moving forward. The budget review is also being discussed,’ Angbo said.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress ministers have not resigned from the government yet. The party has announced plans to quit the government on Sunday.