Koshi Province Government Expansion Underway Amidst Coalition Talks
Summary
Coalition talks are accelerating in Koshi Province as UML and NCP negotiate ministry allocations and the exit of Nepali Congress from the provincial government. The parties are also debating whether to revisit the province’s name and whether Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki will continue in office.
Key Points
- Preparations are underway for the expansion of the Koshi Province government after a three-point agreement between UML and NCP.
- NCP is demanding four ministries now held by Nepali Congress, while UML says it can offer three ministries and possibly an additional state minister.
- Party leader Indra Bahadur Angbo says final talks are expected Monday, with ministry allocation and the common minimum program on the agenda.
- UML leader Sherdhan Rai says the province-name issue is complicated and that Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki’s future depends on directives from party chairman KP Sharma Oli.
