KATHMANDU: Today, Chief Minister Khagaraj Adhikari of Gandaki Province, representing CPN-UML, is seeking a vote of confidence, marking his second term appointment since April 7.

A session of the provincial assembly has been convened for 3 PM today to conduct the confidence vote for CM Adhikari.

Adhikari, appointed under Article 168 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, has garnered support from 22 UML lawmakers, seven from the Maoist Center, and independent lawmaker Deepak Manange, totaling 30 lawmakers, excluding the Speaker.

Earlier, Adhikari’s appointment faced legal scrutiny when Nepali Congress contested his claim, arguing that support from the Speaker cannot be included.

However, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition, affirming Adhikari’s majority support of 30 lawmakers, excluding the Speaker.

Legal experts have offered divergent views on the court’s decision.

Constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari asserts that the court’s ruling aligns with constitutional principles, emphasizing the Speaker’s neutrality in government formation.

In contrast, Dr. Bhimarjun Acharya, another constitutional expert, contends that determining the majority in the assembly should include the Speaker, as prescribed by the constitution.

The outcome of today’s vote will be crucial, with CM Adhikari poised to secure his position amid opposition from Nepali Congress and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, which collectively hold 29 seats in the 59-member provincial assembly.