Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The process of forming a new government in Koshi Province has been delayed due to a dispute within the CPN-UML over the chief ministerial candidate.
As per a power-sharing deal between the UML and the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), the UML will form governments in Koshi, Bagmati and Lumbini provinces. Similarly, NCP will lead governments in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.
However, UML leaders are divided over whether to continue with incumbent Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki or bring in a new face. UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli reportedly wants a new face to lead the provincial government.
Meanwhile, the Koshi Province committee of UML has begun consultations with provincial assembly members regarding government formation.
Sherdhan Rai, Koshi Province In-charge of CPN-UML, said the dispute over leadership would be resolved within one and a half weeks. He added that discussions have begun within both the party and its parliamentary wing to ensure implementation of party Chairperson Oli’s directives.
Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki said while he is not the only option to lead the province government, he is committed to uniting the party in the current context. He said that any discussion on government formation should also consider that the current government was formed under Article 168 (5) of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015.
According to provincial assembly member Panchakarna Rai, 29 UML lawmakers participated in the recent discussion on government formation
The CPN-UML has 40 members in the provincial assembly, including the deputy speaker.
