KATHMANDU, Sept 9: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden has stated that the RPP does not support the newly-formed CPN-UML government in Koshi.
Speaking to media personnel at Biratnagar Airport on Saturday, Chairman Lingden emphasized that the RPP maintains a neutral policy and will not endorse the newly-formed government in Koshi Province. Lingden explained that since the federal system is not on his party's agenda, there is no need to preserve it.
RPP to stay neutral in Koshi province: Chairman Lingden
Lingden also expressed the RPP's desire for the Nepali Congress (NC) and UML to form a coalition government in Koshi province. "For the sake of political stability, we hope that UML and NC will collaborate in governing. According to Article 5, the RPP will only make a decisive decision after the government is formed. Until then, we will not support any government. Since government involvement is not our current priority, we have not made any decisions regarding joining the government."
A new government, led by Karki, the leader of the UML parliamentary party, has been established in Koshi province. As per Article 168, Clause 3 of the Constitution, Karki has assumed the role of Chief Minister, representing the largest party in the provincial assembly, UML.
However, due to the lack of support from the RPP, Karki only enjoys the backing of 40 UML MPs, including the Deputy Speaker who is acting as the Speaker.
Since there is no official Speaker in Koshi province, the Deputy Speaker is fulfilling that role, leaving Karki with just 39 MPs in favor. To secure a vote of confidence from the 93-member Koshi provincial assembly, Karki needs the votes of at least 47 MP.
