Gandaki CM Pandey seeking vote of confidence today

KATHMANDU, June 10: Gandaki Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey is seeking a vote of confidence today. 

The provincial assembly meeting, scheduled for 3 PM, will address Chief Minister Pandey's request for support.

The Supreme Court declared the previous vote of confidence for former Chief Minister Khagraj Adhikari unconstitutional, leading to the appointment of Pandey as the Chief Minister. 

He was appointed under Article 168 (3) of the Constitution of Nepal. If Pandey does not secure a vote of confidence, a new government will be formed in Gandaki as per Article 168 (5).

To secure the vote of confidence, Pandey needs the support of 31 provincial lawmakers. However, the Nepali Congress (NC) holds only 27 seats. With the addition of 2 seats from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and one independent provincial lawmaker, the NC still falls short of a majority.

In Gandaki, there are 22 provincial assembly members from UML, including the Speaker, and 8 provincial lawmakers from the CPN (Maoist Center). Chief Minister Pandey is hoping to secure a vote of confidence by gaining support from opposition members.

The RPP's stance appears positive. NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba has sent a formal letter to RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden, requesting support for the vote of confidence.