KATHMANDU: NCP parliamentary party leader Indra Bahadur Angbo and CPN-UML Secretary and Koshi Province in-charge Sherdhan Rai have reportedly held talks amid growing speculation over a possible change in the leadership of the Koshi provincial government.
According to sources, the discussion centred on the future of the chief ministership in Koshi Province. During the meeting, Angbo reportedly urged Rai to ensure that the UML’s internal leadership dispute does not affect the ruling coalition.
The report says Angbo also called on the UML leadership to reach a decision on the province’s leadership without further delay. UML Koshi Province Secretary Raj Kumar Bhandari was also present at the meeting.
According to the report, Rai has been tasked with building support for Til Kumar Menyangbo to replace Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki. However, Karki has reportedly appealed to UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli to allow him to continue in office.
The report further claims that although Oli had earlier appeared inclined to retain Karki following discussions with senior UML leaders, Rai later expressed dissatisfaction with that position. Rai and Karki are reported to have had strained relations for some time.
According to sources, Rai is now seeking support from UML lawmakers and coalition partners for a possible no-confidence motion against Karki. During the meeting, Angbo reportedly advised Rai to first resolve the UML’s internal differences before involving coalition partners.
“The UML’s internal dispute should not create problems for the coalition. Please do not involve us in your party’s internal affairs,” Angbo was quoted as saying. “Whether you move forward with Til Kumar or continue with Hikmat should be decided quickly. We are prepared to cooperate with whoever commands the majority.”
The report also claims Rai indicated that support from the nap would be necessary to move forward with a no-confidence motion against Karki. However, no final decision has reportedly been taken by the party on the matter.
Under the power-sharing understanding between NCP Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, the post of Koshi chief minister is allocated to the UML.
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