KATHMANDU: The Opposition alliance has geared up to form a new government in Gandaki Pradesh after Chief Minister (CM) Prithvi Subba Gurung lost the vote of confidence on Thursday.

Nepali Congress (NC) Parliamentary Party leader of Gandaki Pradesh Krishna Chandra Pokharel is leading the opposition alliance.

Besides, CPN (Maoist Center), Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), Rastriya Janamorcha (RJM) have extended support to Pokharel.

Resigning from his post on Thursday, Deepak Manange announced his support to Pokharel.

In the 60-member Provincial Assembly, 27 lawmakers voted for Chief Minister Gurung while 30 votes voted against him.

A total of 31 votes are required for the majority to form a new government. Based on the votes cast yesterday, only one vote is required for majority. With the support of Manange, Pokharel has turned the tables in his favor to lead the next government.

NC (15), Maoist Center (11), JSP (2) and RJM (2) had voted against Gurung yesterday.

Pokharel has said that he commands the required majority and will submit the claim of the new government once the Province Chief calls for it.

Two RJM lawmakers and independent lawmaker Manange have expressed their support for the opposition alliance.

One of the RJM lawmakers has gone neutral.

Who is Krishna Chandra Pokharel?

Nepali Congress Gandaki Parliamentary Party leader Krishna Chandra Pokharel is the directly elected Provincial Lawmaker from Nawalparasi East (A). Pokharel, 71, has been active in Nepali politics since the Panchayat era.

Born on November 28, 1949 in Tanahun, he had joined the NC in 1971. Bachelor of Law from Tribhuvan University, Pokharel has already served as Nawalparasi District President for four times and has become the NC central member since the 12th General Convention of the party.