KATHMANDU: Chairman of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda has requested Prime Minister KP Oli to take initiation for withdrawal of a no-confidence motion against Karnali Province Chief Minister.

During a meeting at PM’s residence in Baluwatar on Monday, Chairman Prachanda said that similar activities would be seen in other provinces as well if the issue of Karnali Province is not dwelt with.

Sources that Prachanda told the Prime Minister that a big challenge to the party unity would emerge if the issue is not resolved.

Before meeting Prime Minister Oli, Prachanda had a discussion with NCP senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal at the former residence in Khumaltar this morning.

As many as 18 members of the Karnali Provincial Assembly representing the ruling party had registered a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Mahendra Bahadur Shahi on Sunday.

Members, including Deputy Speaker Pushpa Gharti Magar, Yam Lal Kandel, and NCP Chief Whip Gulaph Jung Shah, had registered the no-confidence motion against Shahi.

It may be recalled that 17 NCP leaders had submitted their signatures against Shahi to Chief Whip Shah.