KATHMANDU: In Lumbini Province, four parties, namely CPN-Maoist Center, CPN-UML, Janata Samajbadi Party, and CPN-Unified Socialist, along with independent lawmaker Khadga Basnet, have reached a consensus on forming a new government.

According to the agreement reached on Thursday, Jokh Bahadur Mahara, the parliamentary party leader of the Maoist Center in the province, will be supported for the position of Chief Minister of Lumbini Province.

Furthermore, the agreement stipulates that all political appointments made by the provincial government will involve participation from all supporting parties to ensure collective ownership of the government.

It also outlines the establishment of a directive committee comprising mid-level leaders from all participating parties to assist the government in policy formulation and implementation, including setting priorities and objectives for budgets and programs.

Currently, the Lumbini Province Assembly consists of 86 members.

Among them, 44 lawmakers, including those affiliated with the consenting parties and independent lawmakers, are united, constituting a sufficient number to claim the Chief Minister’s post.

Moreover, the Maoist Center-led coalition is likely to receive support from the Nagarik Unmukti Party.