KATHMANDU: The ruling coalition has reached a consensus to appoint Indra Angbo, a leader of the Maoist Center and the provincial parliamentary party, as the new Chief Minister of Koshi province.

The decision, reached during a meeting in Baluwatar on Thursday, marks a transition of leadership from the Nepali Congress party, which had previously held the Chief Minister’s position.

The NC party’s Uddhav Thapa had faced challenges in gaining trust during his two tenures as Chief Minister, with allegations of an unconstitutional approach in the vote of confidence process.

Subsequently, following the failure of Congress Chief Minister Banda Biswas to secure a vote of confidence, the alliance opted to entrust the Maoists with this pivotal role, as per the provisions of Article 168, Clause 5 of the Constitution, as informed by Ramesh Lekhak, Chief Whip of the NC party.

The recent development comes after the resignation of UML Chief Minister Hikmat Karki, with Province Chief Parashuram Khapung issuing a deadline until Friday evening for the recommendation of the new Chief Minister.

Notably, there is a possibility that the RPP may extend its support to Indra Angbo’s candidacy in the path forward.