BIRATNAGAR: The expansion of the Koshi province cabinet is slated to take place post-Chhath, as Chief Minister Kedar Karki, backed by the ruling coalition and the CPN-UML, revealed preparations for the cabinet expansion under Article 168 (5) of the Constitution.

Karki expressed confidence that the process could be initiated even before passing the budget, emphasizing the possibility of completing the government beforehand.

Efforts are underway to include the UML into the government. Despite the inclusion, the UML has maintained its vote of confidence in Chief Minister Karki, marking ministerial recalls after their participation.

Chief Minister Karki initially expanded the three-member cabinet, appointing members from both UML and Nepali Congress during the first expansion.

Ram Rana from UML and Shumsher Rai from Nepali Congress assumed roles as ministers without portfolios.

With the second round of cabinet expansion, Chief Minister Karki included members from the coalition parties, appointing Ganesh Upreti from the Maoist Center and Kamal Prasad from the Unified Socialist as ministers.

The UML, in response, recalled its minister, Rana.

Indra Bahadur Angbo, leader of the parliamentary party of the coalition party Maoist Center, stated that discussions on cabinet expansion and related matters have concluded with an agreement.

While UML has expressed readiness to participate in the government, emphasizing a respectful distribution, the final decision is expected from the central leadership, according to a leader from the coalition party.