Bagmati Province Chief Minister to Seek Vote of Confidence

Makwanpur. Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya is scheduled to seek a vote of confidence in the Provincial Assembly today. Chief Minister Baniya has written to the Provincial Assembly Secretariat to convene a meeting for the purpose of seeking a vote of confidence at 1 PM on Monday. The secretariat has also issued a notice regarding the meeting accordingly. This is the sixth time the Chief Minister is seeking a vote of confidence in the 3 years and 9 months of the second term of the Provincial Assembly. Previously, Chief Ministers have taken a vote of confidence 5 times at different times. Chief Minister Baniya, who became Chief Minister on 2082/04/20 BS, took a vote of confidence from the parliament on 2082/04/27. He formed the government from the alliance of CPN (UML) and Nepali Congress, but he fell into a minority after the supporting party UML withdrew its support. He has to seek a vote of confidence again after falling into a minority. Although the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting decided to seek a vote of confidence before 3rd Bhadra, the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers Office stated that the date was brought forward to clarify the government's status by testing strength sooner rather than prolonging the political uncertainty. Out of the 110-member Bagmati Provincial Assembly, only 104 members are currently in office. To save the government, Chief Minister Baniya needs the support of at least 53 members of the Provincial Assembly. Currently, he has the support of 36 members from Congress and two from Hamro Nepali Party, which has one minister in the government, totaling 38 members. To continue the government, he needs to secure the support of 15 more members. On the other hand, CPN with 26 seats and UML with 25 seats are trying to form a new power equation. Even if the two parties unite, they do not have enough majority to form a government. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the third largest party in the Provincial Assembly with 12 seats, has decided not to participate in the government formation process. Similarly, the Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party (NMKP) with three members is sticking to its traditional stance of remaining in opposition. Political activities in the province have intensified since the UML withdrew its support. To continue the government, Congress is increasing dialogue with other parties, while CPN and UML are continuously discussing the formation of a new government. Chief Minister Baniya has appealed to all parties for cooperation to end the political uncertainty and establish stability in the province. 'I have urged to end the current political fluidity and instability in Bagmati Province. I have written to CPN (UML), CPN, RPP, NMKP, and Hamro Nepali Party,' he said. 'Hamro Nepali Party has responded positively and has already joined the government. Other parties are also in discussion. I am confident that all republican forces will support me to protect federalism and the republic.'