KATHMANDU: The CPN (Maoist Center) has formally staked its claim on the Chief Minister post of Lumbini Province.

Jog Bahadur Mahara, the parliamentary party leader of the Maoist Center in the province, submitted a list of 44 lawmakers supporting him, along with their signatures, to Province Chief Amik Sherchan on Friday.

The move comes after the resignation of Chief Minister Dil Bahadur Chaudhary on Thursday, who stepped down after failing to secure a vote of confidence from the political parties in the alliance.

Under Article 169 of the Constitution of Nepal, the Chief of Province is mandated to appoint the leader of the parliamentary party commanding a majority in the Provincial Assembly as the Chief Minister.

In situations where no party holds a clear majority, the Chief of Province may appoint a member of the Provincial Assembly who can command a majority with the support of two or more parties representing the Provincial Assembly.