Nepal PM in crisis after coalition partner withdraws support

In a major blow to Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, its coalition partner the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has decided to withdraw its support from the coalition government.

It cited the impeachment motion registered against Nepal's Chief Justice Suhsila Karki as the reason.

A meeting of the party's Work Execution Committee and Cabinet members took the decision to this effect.

"The party will submit its decision to leave the government to Prime Minister Dahal," the Kathmandu Post quoted RPP spokesperson Sushil Shrestha as saying.

The party also held discussions regarding its lawmakers standing against the party's official position. The party has also decided to take action against the lawmakers.

The impeachment motion against Karki was registered on Sunday after a dispute arose over the appointment of Nepal Police chief.

Karki was accused of interfering with the executive including the appointment of Nepal Police's chief, breaching the principles of separation of power, influencing her fellow Justices and failing to fulfill her duties in judiciary efficiently.