Kathmandu: Hikmat Karki, the leader of CPN-UML Koshi Province Parliamentary Party, has been appointed the Chief Minister of Koshi Province in a move supported by 52 MPs from the CPN-UML and Maoist Center.
Province Head Parshuram Khapung appointed Karki as he staked his claim to the post with the support of 52 lawmakers earlier.
This marks Karki’s third stint in the position within just 17 months as Koshi province has seen a tumultuous political landscape after the election in 2022.
Earlier on Wednesday, Khapung, issuing a notice, asked lawmakers from the provincial assembly who can secure a majority in the assembly to present their claim for the chief ministerial position by 5pm Friday.
Previously, Karki assumed office on January 8, 2023, following a claim supported by 60 members. However, his tenure was short-lived as he lost a vote of confidence on June 30 of the same year. He regained the position on September 8 due to a Supreme Court directive, only to resign without undergoing another vote on October 7.
The recent appointment follows a period of political uncertainty after both the UML and the Maoist Center withdrew their support for Karki’s government on April 8. This led to a resolution passed on April 19, demanding a vote of confidence within 30 days, which Karki did not adhere to.
In response to the appointment, the outgoing Chief Minister, Kedar Karki, is considering legal action, arguing that the process of forming a new government is unconstitutional.
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