Former CM Kedar Karki threatens hunger strike over budget cuts

Biratnagar, September 9 – Former Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Kedar Karki, has announced a hunger strike against the provincial government. Karki issued a warning to Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki on Sunday, stating that if his demands are not addressed within 48 hours, he will begin a hunger strike in front of the Province Assembly building in Biratnagar.

Karki’s demands include the implementation of a free treatment program with specialized services for children under 10, a policy to prevent projects below 2.5 million from being included in the budget, the operation of the Shailaja Acharya Heart Disease Treatment Center and provision of incentive allowances for women health volunteers.

Additionally, his other demands include continuation of incentive programs for ghee and powdered milk exports, adequate funding for the Sunsari-Morang Kesalia corridor development, scholarships for agricultural and technical education students, and the creation of animal-friendly forests.

Some critics argue that Karki’s hunger strike might create tension between the provincial and federal governments. CPN-UML chief whip Rewati Raman Bhandari criticized Karki’s actions, stating that there is no justification for his protest and suggesting that his demands lack merit and truth.

Bhandari also noted that the Nepali Congress’s silence indicates a lack of support for Karki’s position and expressed hope that the party will address his actions.

Deputy leader of the Nepali Congress parliamentary party in Koshi province, Himal Karki, claimed that Kedar Karki’s hunger strike and related demands are personal and have not been discussed within the party. He emphasized that individual actions do not reflect the party’s stance and that the party will make decisions regarding government formation and dissolution based on collective agreement.

Himal Karki said that some of Kedar Karki’s issues are relevant but stressed the need to consider their practical implications and whether the province’s resources can support them. He also mentioned that the Congress party had a serious discussion about Kedar Karki’s criticisms of Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki on September 1 and concluded that party representatives should align their statements with the party’s rules and methodology.

He further said, “Since Kedar Karki is both a provincial lawmaker and a former Chief Minister, he can speak either as a former Chief Minister or during the allocated time for MPs.” He also emphasized that Karki’s opinions expressed in the House do not represent the official stance of the Congress party. “The party is taking the situation seriously, and everyone from the central leadership has learned from previous incidents. Further discussions will follow the hunger strike that Karki plans to undertake,” added Karki.

Congress chief whip Gopal Tamang also labeled Kedar Karki's hunger strike as a personal matter. “He has informed me verbally that he has given the government a 48-hour ultimatum and plans to go on a hunger strike,” said Tamang.

“The party will decide on further actions if necessary. However, we understand that his agenda includes free treatment for children under 10 years of age and the operation of the Shailaja Acharya Heart Hospital, among other issues,” added Tamang.

Tamang added that party whips must be followed when lawmakers speak during the party’s designated time in province assembly.

 Dinesh Thapaliya, personal secretary to Dr. Shekhar Koirala, mentioned that they have no information about Karki's hunger strike and are unsure of Dr. Koirala’s stance on the matter.

Former Chief Minister Karki also criticized the budget presented by Economic Affairs and Planning Minister Ram Bahadur Magar for significantly cutting public welfare and socialist programs.

In a memorandum sent to Chief Minister Hikmat Karki on Sunday, Karki requested that the province government make a decision within 48 hours to reinstate the previously cut programs. He warned that if his demands are ignored, he will proceed with a hunger strike at the Provincial Assembly premises in Devkota Chowk, Biratnagar Metropolitan City.