BIRATNAGAR: Internal polarization has surfaced within the ruling CPN-UML in Koshi Province as discussions intensify over a possible reshuffle of the provincial government.
According to party sources, Koshi Province in-charge Sherdhan Rai has been pressuring Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki to pave the way for the formation of a new government in line with the party leadership’s direction.

Sources said Rai has been meeting provincial assembly members individually in Biratnagar after returning from a visit to the United Kingdom and urging them to support a change in leadership.
Chief Minister Karki, however, has reportedly refused to resign, arguing that replacing the leadership by bringing down a UML-led government would send a negative message to the public.
He is said to have told party leaders that he would not step down voluntarily and challenged them to remove him through the proper process. Party sources said Rai has asked Karki to resign and facilitate the transition, but no agreement has been reached.

Under UML rules, removing the parliamentary party leader requires a two-thirds majority, which is not considered easy to secure. Karki has reiterated that he will not resign without a formal and institutional decision of the party.

His stance has created a constitutional complication because the current government was formed under Article 168(5) of the Constitution, under which party whips do not apply to supporting lawmakers. Legal experts say replacing the chief minister without his resignation could therefore be difficult. Karki was appointed chief minister on May 9, 2024, with the support of 52 UML and Maoist lawmakers.

According to UML sources, the party is internally preparing to replace him with Taplejung lawmaker Til Kumar Menyangbo, who has also been holding discussions with provincial assembly members regarding the possible leadership change.