The CPN-UML and the CPN (Maoist Centre) on Wednesday requested Koshi Province Head Parshuram Khapung to initiate a process for a new government formation.

They met the province head and handed him a letter urging him to make a call for a new government formation. They have argued that Chief Minister Kedar Karki has lost his legitimacy as he didn’t undergo a floor test as per the constitutional provision.

Receiving the letter, Khapung said he would move ahead as per the constitution, act and law.

On April 8, both the UML and the Maoist Centre officially announced the withdrawal of their support to the Karki government. Subsequently, on April 19, the special session of the provincial assembly passed a resolution instructing the chief minister to seek a vote of confidence within 30 days of losing the majority or resign from the post. The deadline expired on Tuesday.

Article 188 (2) of the constitution also suggests the chief minister needs to take a vote of confidence within 30 days if the coalition partners withdraw their support.

However, Chief Minister Karki remains steadfast in his refusal to either seek a floor test or resign, thereby complicating the provincial government’s position.

Karki argues that the present government was formed based on Article 168 (5) of the constitution and not Article 168 (2) and that there is no need for him to go for a floor test if he believes that he has a majority in the assembly.