BIRATNAGAR: Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki will remain in office after refusing to step down, despite internal discussions within the CPN-UML over a possible leadership change.
The decision followed a meeting on Wednesday at the residence of UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, attended by Karki, UML Koshi Province Chair Ghanshyam Khatiwada and provincial secretary Raj Kumar Bhandari.
Khatiwada said Karki would continue leading the provincial government for the time being, adding that any leadership change would take place only when the party deemed the timing appropriate.
“Mr Karki will continue to lead the government for now. He will step down when the appropriate time comes,” Khatiwada told reporters after the meeting.
According to party leaders, Oli made it clear that whenever the party decides on a leadership transition, the chief minister and ministers must comply with the directive, whether it requires them to remain in office or resign.
The development ends speculation over an immediate change in the Koshi government, with the UML opting to maintain political stability until further notice.
