A deepening internal rift within Nepal's ruling CPN-UML has pushed Koshi Province into fresh political uncertainty as Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki defies pressure from party Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s faction to vacate his post.
Push for Leadership Change
Following a three-point agreement between party Chairman Oli and CPN Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' regarding provincial leadership, the establishment faction moved to replace Karki with Tilkumar Menyangbo. CPN-UML Secretary and Koshi Province In-Charge Sherdhan Rai has been actively lobbying provincial assembly members and personally urged Karki to resign to pave the way for a transition.
Institutional Mandate Demanded
Karki, who was appointed under Article 168(5) of the Constitution and receives backing from CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, has firmly rejected informal resignation requests. He maintains that he will not step down solely on verbal instructions unless the party delivers a formal, institutional decision through its executive bodies.
Numbers Game in Parliamentary Part
Removing Karki as parliamentary party leader requires a two-thirds majority under the party’s provincial regulations. Out of UML's 40 assembly members, 39 are eligible to vote due to Deputy Speaker Sirjana Danuwar holding a neutral post. While establishment figures claim support from 26 members and predict Karki’s backing could shrink to five, Karki's camp is attempting to retain enough votes to block the necessary threshold.
Alternative Avenues and Opposition Stance
Because stripping Karki of his parliamentary leadership does not automatically remove him as Chief Minister, the establishment faction has begun informal talks with coalition partners to explore a no-confidence motion in the assembly. However, key opposition leaders have advised the party to resolve its disputes internally rather than bringing the power struggle to the provincial floor.
