UML quits Koshi government

By Shashidhar Parajuli, Biratnagar, Nov.4: Minister of Koshi Province Ram Bahadur Rana Magar has resigned from his post. 

Minister Magar without portfolio, who was appointed on behalf of the UML, has resigned from his post today, expressing dissatisfaction over the expansion of the cabinet from the coalition party in the government, ignoring the concerns of the UML. 

Minister Rana Magar submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Kedar Karki today morning. 

UML was against the inclusion of another coalition party in the government. UML decided to make Karki CM with the intention of forming a government of the Nepali Congress and UML. 

Minister Rana Magar pulled out from the post saying that the cabinet was formed with the inclusion of a coalition party against the agreement of the UML. 

Karki became Chief Minister of the Koshi Province on October 14 with UML’s backing. Chief Minister extended his cabinet by appointing Shamser Rai of Nepali Congress and Magar of CPN (UML) on October 15. 

As per Article 168(5), there is a provision to support the Chief Minister on an individual level, therefore, there is no arrangement for parties to pull out at once. 

The constitution is also silent on the issue of whether MPs who have given support for the appointment of Chief Minister should withdraw their support, and whether or not to take a vote of confidence from parliament again after withdrawing. 

Chief Minister said, “I have not paid attention to this matter, one can go through the constitution to know if another round of vote of confidence needs to be conducted if MPs withdraw their support.”