BIRATNAGAR: Hikmat Kumar Karki, the leader of CPN-UML in Koshi Province, has announced his party’s intention to claim the majority leadership of the government.

He revealed that the party has already initiated dialogue with other political parties to form a coalition government.

During a press conference in Biratnagar today, Karki stated, “If smaller parties can join the government, there should be no doubt that major parties can also come together to form the government.”

Currently, UML holds 40 seats in the provincial assembly, and they are actively engaging in discussions with other parties.

Karki expressed confidence that as soon as they secure the support of any of these parties, they will stake their claim for a majority and form the government.

It’s worth noting that Nepali Congress (NC) leader Uddhav Thapa was appointed as the Chief Minister with the backing of Speaker Baburam Gautam.

However, the full bench of the Supreme Court invalidated Thapa’s appointment on Thursday.

In response, the Supreme Court has mandated the formation of a new government within seven days, as per Article 168 (2) of the Constitution, leading to internal preparations within the parties.

Karki further emphasized that UML is willing to form a coalition government together with the Nepali Congress.

He stated, “We are open to forming an alliance with the Nepali Congress to establish the government in Koshi Province.”

Responding to a question about whether he would be willing to give the post of Chief Minister to the Nepali Congress, Karki asserted, “The position of the Chief Minister is not the primary concern; anyone from the alliance can assume the role.”