CPN-UML lawmaker Kiran Thapa Magar has staked a claim to become the new chief minister of Bagmati province.
He submitted his claim on Wednesday with the support of the CPN-UML, Nepali Communist Party (NCP), and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).
Although 53 lawmakers are required for a majority, Thapa Magar submitted his claim with the support of 63 provincial assembly members from the three parties, said UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet.
Thapa Magar submitted his claim to Bagmati Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota on Wednesday.
Previously, Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Indra Bahadur Baniya led the Bagmati government with the UML’s support. Baniya resigned as chief minister after the UML withdrew its support.
Meanwhile, the RPP's support for the formation of the Bagmati government has sparked a dispute within the party. The RPP has 12 lawmakers in the provincial assembly. The party had previously said that it would not get involved in the political game of forming and toppling provincial governments.
Earlier, when Chief Minister Baniya sought a vote of confidence, the RPP had decided to remain neutral.
RPP Chairman Lingden warns of action against lawmakers
Meanwhile, RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden has warned of disciplinary action against provincial lawmakers from the party who supported the UML’s Thapa Magar for chief minister of Bagmati.
He said that the RPP had not supported any party in the government formation process.
“The RPP has not supported any party in the government formation process in the Bagmati Provincial Assembly. The letter submitted in support of CPN-UML’s Kiran Thapa for chief minister is against the party’s decision. We have already informed the province chief about the matter,” Lingden said. “The process for disciplinary action against those involved in activities against the party’s decision has already begun.”
