BIRATNAGAR: CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party have agreed to expand the Koshi provincial cabinet within a week and hold a vote of confidence for Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki within 15 days.

The agreement was reached during the third round of talks held at the chief minister’s residence in Biratnagar. CPN-UML lawmaker Revati Raman Bhandari said theoretical consensus was reached on cabinet portfolios, with a final decision expected following another scheduled meeting.

Indra Bahadur Angbo, leader of the Nepali Communist Party parliamentary party, confirmed that both parties are working to complete cabinet formation and finalize a common minimum program promptly. Previously, the Nepali Communist Party had requested four ministerial portfolios, while CPN-UML proposed three.

The two parties also agreed to form a five-member task force headed by Angbo to draft the common minimum program. Additionally, they decided to review the provincial budget, pass pending legislation through mutual consent, and consult top leaders and other political parties to address concerns regarding the naming of Koshi Province.