Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Karki, is taking the vote of confidence on October 7.
A meeting of the business advisory committee (BAC) of the Province Assembly held on Wednesday took a decision to this effect.
UML Chief Whip Rewati Raman Bhandari also informed that the oath taking ceremony will either be held on Friday or Saturday.
Karki had become the Chief Minister of Koshi Province as per Article 168 (3) on September 8. According to this provision, the Chief Minister has to take the vote of confidence within 30 days (September 7).
Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thapa had been relieved of his post by the Supreme Court after the speaker also cast his vote in the trust vote.
After Thapa was relieved of his post, Karki was reinstated as the Chief Minister on the ground of being the parliamentary party leader of the largest party. However, as things stand, Karki is unlikely to receive the vote of confidence.
UML has 40 lawmakers. Deputy Speaker Srijana Danuwar cannot cast her vote in the trust vote. As Danuwar is not allowed to cast vote, the UML will have only 39 lawmakers.
UML has formed an alliance with Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RSS). It has said that it will cast its votes in favor of Karki on the condition he will garner the vote of confidence.
Even if RPP gives votes, Karki will have 45 votes. In the 93- provincial assembly, 47 votes are required to secure the vote of confidence.
Karki might tender resignation if there are no circumstances to secure the vote of confidence.
Earlier, Karki had also held talks with CPN (Unified Socialist) for the vote of confidence. Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Nepal maintained that his party would not budge from the current alliance.
In case Karki fails to secure trust vote, the government has to be formed as per Article 168 (5) of the Constitution.
According to the provision laid down in this article, a lawmaker who secures majority from other lawmakers irrespective of the party they belong to, can become the chief minister.
.
