Chief Minister Hikmat Karki Stands Firm: Decisions Must Be Made Only by the Secretariat

Hikmat Karki, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, has expressed his firm stance against resigning despite a potential political crisis emerging. According to an agreement with CPN coordinators Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli is preparing to appoint Til Kumar Menyangbo as the new Chief Minister in Koshi Province. However, Chief Minister Karki insists that any resignation must be preceded by an institutional party decision, affirming his intention to remain in leadership. (11 Shrawan, Kathmandu)

Chief Minister Karki has declared his refusal to participate in the process of forming a new government that could lead to political instability. Following the breakdown of the power-sharing agreement with the Nepali Congress, the UML has signed a three-point pact with the Nepal Communist Party aiming to change governments in all seven provinces. According to the agreement between Chairman KP Sharma Oli and CPN coordinator Prachanda, UML will retain leadership of the government in Koshi Province. Nonetheless, Chairman Oli has already indicated plans to replace the Chief Minister.

According to party leaders, there are preparations to appoint Til Kumar Menyangbo, Deputy Leader of the Provincial Parliamentary Party, as the new Chief Minister, which is expected to bring about a leadership change in Koshi Province soon. Menyangbo, elected from Taplejung-1 (A) constituency, is seen as Oli’s choice to reestablish his political influence within the party. However, Chief Minister Karki has taken a firm stance not to resign as per Oli’s wishes.

Under Article 168(5) of the Constitution, Chief Minister Karki argues that his resignation could trigger a political crisis. He stated, “Not only as the leader of the parliamentary party but also having been appointed Chief Minister by the independent signatures of the majority of lawmakers as per sub-section 5, my resignation could cause a political and constitutional crisis.” Karki reported having warned Oli about this matter a week ago, but Oli remains firm in his intention to replace the Chief Minister. Karki emphasized, “I will only accept changes based on institutional decisions, not personal directives.”