Nepal, July 3 -- A dispute over the Koshi Province budget has triggered tensions within the ruling coalition, with lawmakers from both coalition partners expressing dissatisfaction over the budget allocation and preparation process.

Although the budget was tabled on June 15, several ruling party lawmakers have accused the government of concentrating funds in constituencies represented by Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki and a handful of ministers. Some lawmakers reportedly even warned of bringing down the government over the issue.

The controversy has repeatedly delayed Provincial Assembly meetings. Sessions scheduled for June 25, June 30, and July 2 were postponed as coalition partners failed to reach an agreement

The Koshi governme...