Kathmandu— The Nepali Congress (NC) has directed its lawmakers in the Bagmati Province Assembly to oppose a vote of confidence for Chief Minister Kiran Thapa, who is seeking to retain his position on Monday. The party issued a three-line whip compelling all NC members present in the assembly to vote against Thapa’s bid and explicitly forbidding any neutral stance. This action follows Thapa's recent swearing-in as Chief Minister with support from the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party.

Vote of Confidence Procedure

Chief Minister Thapa is required to seek a vote of confidence under Article 168(4) of the Constitution and Rule 143 of the Bagmati Province Assembly Regulation. The vote is scheduled to take place on Monday, prompting the NC’s swift response. Pukar Maharjan, the parliamentary party leader of the NC in Bagmati Province, issued the whip to ensure unified opposition from his party's members.

Party Directive

Maharjan emphasized that all assembly members affiliated with the NC must attend the province assembly meeting and actively vote against Thapa. The directive specifically prohibits any form of neutrality during the proceedings, signaling a firm stance against the current provincial leadership.

The outcome of Monday’s vote will determine whether Chief Minister Thapa maintains his position or if new political developments unfold in Bagmati Province.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.