The Nepali Congress’ Koshi province chapter has decided not to immediately recall its ministers from the provincial government.
A meeting of the Nepali Congress Koshi province task force held in Biratnagar on Thursday decided not to immediately recall its ministers. Instead, the party has opted to seek legal consultation and coordinate with the central leadership before taking further steps.
According to Chief Whip Gopal Tamang, provincial parliamentary party leader Uddhav Thapa has been authorized to make further decisions.
The NC said that it will seek additional legal advice because the Koshi provincial government was formed under Article 168(5) of the Constitution, rather than Article 168(2), as in other provinces.
Under Article 168(5), a provincial assembly member who can secure a majority is appointed chief minister.
Accordingly, CPN-UML leader Hikmat Karki is currently serving as chief minister with the NC’s support.
The NC is planning to discontinue its previous coalition arrangement with the UML in provincial governments.
As part of this shift, NC ministers have already resigned from provincial governments, including in Karnali province.
The party is preparing to form governments under its own leadership wherever possible. If it has to relinquish leadership, it plans to form an alliance with the Nepali Communist Party.
The NC currently leads the provincial governments in Sudur Paschim, Gandaki, Bagmati and Madhesh.
