Province chief calls for claims by 4pm as NCP-UML seeks majority and Baniya remains a possible fallback.
HETAUDA, AUGUST 18
The race to form a new government in Bagmati Province has entered a deadline-driven phase, with parties and lawmakers given until 4:00pm Thursday to demonstrate that they can command a majority in the provincial assembly.
Province Chief Dipak Prasad Devkota on Monday called for claims to form the new government under Article 168(2) of the Constitution, following the resignation of Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya.
Under the constitutional provision, a provincial assembly member who can secure the support of two or more parties and demonstrate a majority can be appointed chief minister.
Baniya resigned on Monday under Article 169(1)(a), after announcing his decision while addressing the provincial assembly.
The resignation has triggered negotiations over a new power-sharing arrangement. The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) and CPN-UML have agreed that the UML will lead the Bagmati government and are seeking support from other parties to reach the required numbers.
The 110-member provincial assembly requires 53 votes for a majority. The Nepali Congress has 36 members, the NCP 26, UML 25, Rastriya Prajatantra Party 12, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party three and Hamro Nepali Party two. Six seats are currently vacant.
If the NCP-UML alliance fails to secure a majority, Baniya could return as chief minister under Article 168(3) as the leader of the largest party. However, he would have to secure a vote of confidence within 30 days.
The Province Chief's Office issued the formal call for claims on Monday, setting Thursday afternoon as the deadline.