BIRATNAGAR: Amid the decision of the CPN-UML to pull out from the Koshi Province government, a brief period of uncertainty looms as the party deliberates on whether to withdraw its support to Chief Minister Kedar Karki.
Previously instrumental in Karki’s ascension to the role of Chief Minister, the CPN-UML has expressed discontent following the induction of the Maoist Center and Unified Socialist into the government.
A senior CPN-UML leader asserted that their party refuses to bear responsibility for any potential push towards mid-term elections, opting instead to adopt a cautious ‘wait and see’ approach before retracting the support provided to the government.
UML’s Chief Whip of Koshi Provincial Assembly, Rewathi Raman Bhandari, emphasized the absence of valid reasons to maintain their support for the government.
However, several leaders advocate for maintaining the support, citing potential blame directed towards the UML if a mid-term election were to transpire.
Echoing a similar sentiment, another UML leader, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated a temporary pause before revoking the government’s support, stating, “We will recall our minister from the government. Our support to the government is still under consideration.”
Some UML leaders argued that the onus of the impending mid-term elections should fall squarely on the chief minister, contending, ‘We backed this government to avert mid-term elections. If the Chief Minister incorporates the central ruling coalition’s faction against our wishes, the blame for any mid-term election consequences should rest with him.”
Should the UML withdraw its support, the prospects of mid-term elections in Koshi would inevitably heighten.
With 93 provincial assembly members, the Karki-led government necessitates the support of 47 members to maintain its governing position.
Despite the Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s decision to remain in opposition, the Janata Samajwadi Party has opted out of government participation despite prior support.
The outcome of this intricate political dance remains uncertain, as the fate of the Koshi government hangs in the balance amid the unfolding deliberations of the CPN-UML.
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