KATHMANDU: The Lumbini Province government is poised for expansion today (Sunday), with the appointment of Krishna KC and Saroj Thapa as ministers.

Krishna KC, representing Banke for the Maoist Center, has been appointed as the Urban Development Minister, while Saroj Thapa, elected from Pyuthan on behalf of the Nepali Congress, assumes the role of Industry and Transport Minister.

Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary finalized their nominations on Saturday and forwarded them for swearing-in at the Chief Minister Secretariat, according to sources.

A source at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat confirmed, “The two newly-appointed ministers will be sworn in today.”

Lumbini government spokesperson and Home Minister Santosh Pandey said that the swearing-in program for the two new ministers has been scheduled for Sunday.

Saroj Thapa, also known as ‘Rose Rana’ in the film industry, is set to become the Minister of Industry and Transport.

Thapa, a film producer, secured his seat with the Nepali Congress in the parliamentary elections last year.

The decision to appoint Krishna KC as a minister was made by the Maoists approximately eight months ago.

The Maoists had initially recommended Dipendra Pun (Sijal) of Rolpa alongside Krishna KC.

However, due to opposition from Nepali Congress Lumbini Province President Amarsingh Pun, Dipendra’s chances of becoming a minister diminished.

Sources suggest that internal disputes within the Nepali Congress led to a delay in the cabinet expansion.