KATHMANDU: Koshi Province Chief Minister (CM) Hikmat Kumar Karki has held discussions with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba regarding a potential reshuffle of provincial ministers.
Karki met with Prime Minister Oli on Sunday morning, just days after a similar meeting with Deuba. While the central topic of both meetings was the restructuring of the provincial cabinet, Chief Minister Karki publicly stated that he briefed the leaders on the overall political situation in Koshi Province.
He said there had been general conversations on political matters and that he also reported on the functioning of his government. Regarding the meeting with Deuba, Karki added that the former Prime Minister was likewise informed about the broader context of the province.
According to sources, both Oli and Deuba advised Karki to consult further and wait before proceeding with any cabinet reshuffle. Karki, however, avoided revealing the full details of his conversations.
A party insider said that discussions about changing the provincial cabinet took place during both meetings. The source noted that such decisions require prior agreement with coalition partners, and that the Prime Minister and NC President have been consulted accordingly.
As of now, both leaders are said to be evaluating the situation, and further guidance is expected within a few days.
The source revealed that due to the political instability currently unfolding in Bagmati Province, Deuba has instructed a temporary pause on any ministerial changes in Koshi. Internal disputes within the Nepali Congress’ Koshi parliamentary party have further complicated the matter.
In Karki’s cabinet, several ministers are facing public criticism. Tourism, Forest and Environment Minister Sadananda Mandal has been accused of soliciting bribes via QR codes, while Agriculture Minister Khagen Singh Hangam allegedly assaulted individuals in his home district of Taplejung.
The Chief Minister’s relationship with several of his ministers is reportedly tense. Despite increasing public and political pressure, Karki has not spoken out about these controversies.
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