Call for formation of govt in Koshi Province within 5 days

By Our Correspondent,Biratnagar, July 29: Koshi Province Chief Parshuram Khapung has called for the formation of a new government in the province. 

Koshi Province Chief’s Office has called upon the parties to form the government in the province within five days. Issuing a notice on Friday, Province Chief  Khapung asked the parties to assert their claim for the position of Chief Minister and form a new government.

The notice stated that any member of the Koshi Provincial Assembly who could garner majority with the support of two or more parties represented in the Provincial Assembly can present their claim within the specified deadline to be appointed as the Chief Minister of Koshi Province and to form the provincial government, in accordance with the Article 168 (2) of the Constitution. 

The Province Chief’s Office made the call for the formation of the government after the Supreme Court annulled the appointment of Chief Minister Uddav Thapa on Thursday stating that the government was formed against the Constitution.

The SC has also ordered that if the office receives no claim, then the government would be formed by the leadership of the largest party in the Province according to Article 168 (3) of the Constitution of Nepal.

Meanwhile, CPN-UML Parliamentary party leader and former Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki said he was serving as the acting Chief Minister based on the order issued by the Supreme Court. 

Karki has responded by affirming that he would carry out his duties as the Chief Minister in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order.

Despite claiming to be the acting Chief Minister, Karki did not receive the customary privileges and protocol that come with the position, such as security personnel and flagged vehicles at the airport. 

The car designated for the Chief Minister’s use is currently being utilised by Thapa, who has been relieved of his position.