Khagaraj Adhikari of UML appointed Chief Minister of Gandaki

KATHMANDU: Khagaraj Adhikari of the CPN-UML has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province.

Province Chief Dilli Raj Bhatta appointed Adhikari to the position with the support of two or more parties as per Article 168 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Province Chief.

Adhikari had unconstitutionally claimed the post of Chief Minister using the signature of Speaker Krishna Dhital as well. The Nepali Congress had earlier requested the Province Chief not to make any appointment going against the constitution

Adhikari had staked a claim for the Chief Minister’s position with the support of UML, CPN (Maoist Center) and independent member Rajiv Gurung. The coalition presented the support of 31 members – 22 from UMl, eight from the Maoist Center (including the Speaker) and an independent member – to stake its claim.

Parties needed to secure the support of 31 members to form government in the 60-member GadakI Province Assembly.