Biratnagar, May 13 -- Koshi Chief Minister Hikmat Karki on Monday secured the confidence of the provincial assembly.

A motion tabled by the chief minister seeking the confidence of the assembly received 57 votes in favour, while five lawmakers abstained.

A total of 62 members in the 93-member assembly were present in the meeting. The Nepali Congress lawmakers snubbed today's meeting as they have been protesting the chief minister's appointment, terming it unconstitutional.

The party decided not to attend the voting process, saying that the chief minister hurried for the floor test while a case against his appointment is sub-judice in the court.

Former chief minister Kedar Karki of Nepali Congress has moved the court challenging Kedar ...