KATHMANDU: The CPN-Maoist Center has asserted that the ruling coalition at the federal level and in other provinces will remain unchanged, despite the recent incident of floor-crossing during the National Assembly elections in Koshi province.

Following consultations with party committees at both provincial and central levels, the Maoist Center has informally decided to maintain the coalition intact.

“The coalition has demonstrated success in six provinces, with Koshi being an exception. The Nepali Congress should take action against those who deviated from the coalition decision. However, this incident is not expected to immediately alter the central alliance. Koshi’s coalition has suffered a significant setback,” stated a party source.

In an unexpected turn, UML candidate Rukmini Koirala secured victory over Champadevi Karki, the Maoist Center’s candidate from the ruling alliance, in the Koshi province.

Despite the clear majority of the coalition, Karki faced defeat when some representatives of the Nepali Congress did not adhere to the coalition decision, instead supporting the UML.

NC leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula managed to secure a seat in the National Assembly from Koshi province, despite slight ‘cross voting’ within his own party.

In the Koshi province, UML’s Rukmini Koirala garnered 5,086 votes to secure victory, while the coalition candidate Champadevi Karki received 4,922 votes.