Koshi Province Chief Minister Kedar Karki
ITAHARI: Kedar Karki, who assumed the role of Chief Minister in Koshi Province with the backing of the CPN-UML, is encountering challenges in expanding his cabinet.
Karki is close to the anti-establishment faction of the Nepali Congress led by Dr. Shekhar Koirala. He secured the support of the UML to form the government two weeks ago, defying the decision of the central ruling coalition. His cabinet comprises only two ministers: Ram Rana from CPN-UML and Shamsher Rai from Nepali Congress.
Sources suggest that Karki has been unable to expand his cabinet due to pressure from his party leaders who are urging him to sever ties with the UML. He is presently in Kathmandu for discussions with party leaders regarding cabinet expansion.
Karki has assured UML leaders that he would adhere to the UML’s conditions while expanding his cabinet. During a meeting with Hikmar Kumar Karki, the parliamentary leader of UML in the Koshi Province Assembly, Chief Minister Karki said that he won’t break ties with the UML.
The UML has made it clear that it will withdraw from the government if assembly members from the Maoist Center are appointed as ministers. “We will exit the government if assembly members from the Maoist Center are included in the cabinet,” said Rebati Raman Bhandari, the whip of CPN-UML in the Koshi Province Assembly.
He said the party would hold further discussions with Chief Minister Karki once he returns from Kathmandu.
Karki was appointed Chief Minister of Koshi Province under Article 168(5) of the Constitution of Nepal, with the support of 39 assembly members from UML and eight assembly members from Nepali Congress affiliated with the anti-establishment faction led by Dr. Koirala.
