Aug 24, Kathmandu - Kiran Thapa Magar, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, is set to seek a vote of confidence in the provincial assembly today. The assembly session is scheduled to begin at 1 PM, where Thapa Magar will present his confidence motion.

Appointed with the support of UML, CPN (UML), and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Thapa Magar's position has become precarious after RPP expelled parliamentary leader Uddhav Thapa, who had previously given him a support letter contrary to party directives. The RPP has accused Thapa of supporting the Chief Minister against the party’s instructions.

Currently, the RPP has three MPs serving as ministers in the Bagmati government, which comprises a total of 12 RPP MPs. The party has also questioned the participation of its ministers in the government, initially demanding explanations for 12 hours, then extending the inquiry by another 12 hours.

Despite Thapa Magar's plan to seek a vote of confidence, the RPP has issued a whip instructing its MPs to either vote against, remain neutral, or stay absent during the confidence vote. According to party spokesperson Mohan Shrestha, "The RPP has issued a whip to all its provincial assembly members to oppose the confidence motion scheduled for August 23."

Additionally, the RPP has advised its ministers not to support the current government. With three RPP MPs serving as ministers, there are reports that some may cross the floor and vote in favor of Thapa Magar, potentially leading to internal disciplinary actions against ministers who do so.

Since the majority in the assembly requires at least two MPs from the UML and CPN (UML), the RPP's support has become crucial, especially amid disagreements with the central party. The political uncertainty continues as the party navigates its stance amidst internal and external pressures.