KATHMANDU: Leaders of the CPN-UML have failed to reach a consensus on replacing the Chief Minister of Koshi Province, prompting another round of discussions on Wednesday involving party chairman KP Sharma Oli, Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki, and provincial party office bearers.

Chief Minister Karki said the meeting will take place at Oli’s residence in Gundu at 1 pm. He is currently attending an internal party meeting.
On Tuesday, Oli held discussions with UML Koshi Province chairman Ghanshyam Khatiwada and secretary Raj Kumar Bhandari regarding a possible change in the chief minister. Following the meeting with provincial office bearers, Karki also met party chairman Oli.

During the meeting, Karki expressed disagreement with stepping down, saying that any decision should come either from the party secretariat or through an official party decision.
According to party sources, Oli wants Til Kumar Menyangbo to replace Hikmat Kumar Karki as chief minister. The issue had earlier led to the breakdown of the UML’s power-sharing arrangement with the Nepali Congress in the province.

Earlier, UML secretary and provincial in-charge Sherdhan Rai had asked Karki to resign, citing the chairman’s directive. After Karki refused to resign, Rai began consultations with provincial lawmakers in Biratnagar on the possibility of removing him from the post.