Power sharing deal fails to break deadlock in Koshi, Bagmati and Sudurpaschim

Nepal's provincial governments remain in a state of deadlock, with political disagreements and coalition negotiations delaying the formation of new leadership in Koshi, Bagmati, and Sudurpaschim provinces. This comes more than a week after the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) agreed to restructure provincial governments, with only Gandaki and Madhesh provinces excluded from the initial deal.

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No serious questions have been raised about my performance as chief minister. There is not much time left before the next provincial elections. I believe continuity is appropriate. If the party still wants to replace me, it should do so through proper procedures.

The coalition agreement envisioned the UML leading governments in Koshi and Bagmati, and the NCP taking charge in Sudurpaschim. However, internal party disputes and challenges in securing stable majorities have prevented its implementation. In Koshi, a significant obstacle has emerged within the UML itself, as party chairman KP Sharma Oli reportedly favors replacing Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki with Til Kumar Menyangbo. This move faces opposition from senior leaders who warn of potential constitutional complications, as Karki was appointed under Article 168(5) of the Constitution after securing a majority.

Karki maintains that his performance has not warranted replacement and that continuity is appropriate given the limited time before the next provincial elections. He insists any change must follow proper procedures. His stance is supported by the Nepali Congress, whose backing was crucial for his vote of confidence. The division within the UML raises concerns about potential constitutional uncertainty and the risk of fresh elections if a new government cannot secure a vote of confidence.

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We are still discussing whether the current chief minister should continue. The party leadership has asked us to hold consultations before making a decision.

UML leaders are actively discussing the situation, with party secretary Sherdhan Rai tasked with resolving the dispute. Meanwhile, NCP Koshi parliamentary party leader Indra Angbo attributed the delay solely to the UML's internal differences, emphasizing the need for the UML to make a clear institutional decision on its chief ministerial candidate. The constitutional debate surrounding Article 168, which outlines different procedures for appointing a chief minister based on assembly composition, has become central to the negotiations, with UML leaders wary of creating further instability in a province already prone to political upheaval.

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Government formation has been delayed because the UML has not resolved its internal differences.