Biratnagar, October 15
In an interesting turn of events, Kedar Karki of the Nepal Congress has been appointed the chief minister of Koshi Province.
This comes after he revolted against the party’s decision to support a Maoist Lawmaker for the chief minister position.
On Saturday, Kedar Karki was appointed chief minister with the backing of 39 members from the UML and eight members from the rebel faction of the Congress. He is set to take the oath of office and secrecy on Sunday.
After the ruling coalition nominated Indra Bahadur Angbo as the chief minister, Karki and eight other Nepali Congress lawmakers opposed after which he became the chief minister of Koshi Province.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and leader Dr Shekhar Koirala accepted Karki as the chief minister, affirming their commitment to the alliance.
After Karki’s appointment, Prime Minister Dahal stated that Karki is the candidate of the coalition. Upon reaching Chitwan following an agreement with Deuba and Koirala, Prime Minister Dahal said this was best for the coalition.
“He said he will help strengthen the coalition,” said Dahal.
His term is not going to be easy. As he has rebelled in the party and sought help from the UML, there is a strong dissatisfaction within the party.
Kedar Karki plans on including the UML during his government formation which is going to be tricky. But he says all involved are backing him as he ensured there will not be a mid-term election in Koshi Province.
The chief minister position of Koshi province has not been stable.
