Karki stakes claim to lead new government in Koshi Province

CPN-UML leader Hikmat Kumar Karki on Thursday staked a claim to lead the new provincial government in Koshi Province.

Karki presented his claim to provincial head Parshuram Khapung with the signatures of 52 province assembly members.

Earlier on Wednesday, Province Chief Khapung had called on provincial members to stake claim for the post of chief minister and form a new government as per Article 168 (5) of the Constitution.

He called for the formation of a new government after the coalition parties withdrew support extended to the Kedar Karki-led government a month ago.

Province Chief Khapung was compelled to call on the provincial members to stake claim for the chief ministerial position after Karki did not resign from his post or called for a floor test despite being in the minority.

There is provision that the government needs to seek a vote of confidence within a month if any of its coalition partners withdraw the support.