Himal Press 
This combo photo shows Dr Surendra Labh and Sumitra Subedi Bhandari.
KATHMANDU: The government has replaced Sumitra Subedi Bhandari as the Chief of Madhesh Province.
A cabinet meeting held on Monday made the decision.
The cabinet has recommended Professor Dr Surendra Labh as the new Province Chief of Madhesh. Labh, who holds a PhD in Economics, has prior political experience and is a former member of the National Planning Commission (NPC).
Minister for Communication, Information and Technology Jagdish Kharel told reporters that the cabinet decided to relieve Bhandari of her duties and recommend Labh for the position.
Bhandari had come under controversy earlier on Monday after appointing Saroj Yadav, leader of the CPN-UML parliamentary party in Madhesh Province, as Chief Minister as per Article 168 (3) of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, at a hotel in Bardibas at 4 am.
Her decision drew opposition from other parties because she had the option to appoint the next Chief Minister as per Article 168 (2).
As per 168 (3), the Province Chief can appoint the leader of the largest party in the province assembly as the Chief Minister.
The KP Sharma Oli-led government had recommended Bhandari as the Chief of Madhesh Province in March last year.
