CHITWAN: Prime Minister and CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ announced that the ruling coalition has embraced Kedar Karki, a leader from the Nepali Congress (NC), as the Chief Minister of Koshi Province.

Speaking with reporters at Bharatpur Airport in Chitwan on Saturday, PM Dahal affirmed that Karki, who secured the Chief Minister position with the backing of CPN-UML MPs, now represents the entire coalition.

He stated, “Now Karkiji has become the Chief Minister, and he is the Chief Minister of all of us. Therefore, the way that problem has been thought about and the way it has been discussed in the media has taken a safe course, now a safe landing has been made.”

Earlier that morning, Prime Minister Dahal, Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Shekhar Koirala held discussions on the Koshi province government at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.

PM Dahal emphasized their commitment to maintaining and reinforcing the alliance, saying, “Just in the morning, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, myself, and Dr. Shekhar have made an agreement. We are firm and clear on strengthening the alliance. Under no circumstances will the alliance be allowed to weaken.”

Despite the government’s formation without consent from the ruling coalition, Prime Minister Dahal assured that a vote of confidence would be granted.

He also ruled out the immediate formation of an all-party government in Koshi province, emphasizing the likelihood of a coalition government. He stated, “I will not say that it is impossible to form an all-party government. But I do not see an all-party government being formed immediately. A coalition government will be formed there.”

Kedar Karki of the NC’s Shekhar Koirala faction was appointed Chief Minister in Koshi on Saturday morning, contrary to the agreement of the central leadership of the alliance. He assumed the role of Chief Minister with the support of 39 CPN-UML MPs and 8 MPs from the Shekhar camp of NC.

While the coalition initially favored making Indra Angbo of the Maoist Center the Chief Minister, Karki ultimately secured the position after 47 supporters signed the endorsement of his candidacy, as overseen by Provincial Chief Parashuram Khapung.