KATHMANDU, July 27: Although the CPN-UML is certain to lead the next government in Koshi Province under its agreement with the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), an internal dispute over the chief ministerial candidate has delayed the formation of the new government.
The province is currently led by UML Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki.
As Karki is set to step down, the UML is preparing to nominate Til Kumar Menyangbo, the deputy leader of its Koshi Provincial Assembly parliamentary party, as the next chief minister. The move, however, has triggered disagreements within the party.
Some UML leaders argue that because Karki became chief minister under Article 168 (5) of the Constitution, the next chief minister does not necessarily have to be the parliamentary party leader.
Others insist that regardless of the constitutional provision under which a chief minister is appointed, the candidate must secure the party's decision and vote of confidence. They argue that appointing someone other than the parliamentary party leader could create unnecessary complications.
Ripples in the ruling alliance as Karki gets appointed as Chief...
Amid the differing views, another group of leaders has suggested retaining Karki to avoid further controversy and ensure a smooth transition.
Menyangbo, one of the contenders for the post, dismissed concerns over the dispute, saying the issue would end once the party made its formal decision.
"Now that it is clear which party will lead the government in Koshi, the question of who becomes chief minister will be settled once the party makes its decision," he said.
He added that while his name is being widely discussed, no formal decision has yet been taken.
"What is being discussed is true, but the party has yet to make an official decision," he said.
UML Koshi Province Chief Whip Ramesh Kumar Basnet also said it is certain that the next chief minister will be from the UML, though the party has not finalised the candidate.
Basnet said the provincial government is currently run by the UML and the Nepali Congress (NC), but NC's ministers will leave the Cabinet once the UML begins a power-sharing arrangement with the NCP.
He added that the UML does not intend to antagonise the NC.
"We do not need to widen our distance from the Congress. Whether in government or opposition, we will continue cooperating on key issues," Basnet said.
Baburam Gautam, deputy leader of the CPN parliamentary party in Koshi Province, said the timing of the new government's formation depends entirely on the UML's decision.
NC still hopeful
Amid disagreements within the UML and the NCP, the NC remains hopeful of retaining its place in the provincial government.
Despite the power-sharing agreement between the two communist parties being reached two days ago, the NC has not yet withdrawn its ministers from the government.
Gopal Tamang, chief whip of the NC parliamentary party in the Koshi Provincial Assembly, said there is no immediate need for NC ministers to resign because the current government was formed under Article 168 (5) of the Constitution, which allows the appointment of a government backed by a majority of provincial assembly members when no party commands a clear majority.
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