DANG: Chetnarayan Acharya of CPN-UML is poised to become the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, following the resignation of Jokh Bahadur Mahara from CPN-Maoist Center on Sunday, paving the way for a new government.
Provincial Chief Minister Amik Sherchan has called for submissions by 6:30 PM on Monday, in accordance with Article 168 of the Constitution, to facilitate the formation of the new government.
Initially, Leela Giri, leader of the UML parliamentary party, had gathered MPs’ signatures to stake his claim for the Chief Ministership.
However, plans changed abruptly on Monday morning when UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel instructed to nominate Chetnarayan Acharya, as the Chief Minister.
“According to the agreement with the Nepali Congress, UML deputy leader Acharya will now assume the role of Chief Minister in Lumbini,” stated UML Lumbini Province chief whip Tulsi Chaudhary.
Acharya is expected to formally submit his claim for Chief Minister in the afternoon on Monday, with his appointment to follow shortly thereafter.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mahara had announced his resignation during a Provincial Assembly meeting on Sunday after finding himself in the minority.
The decision to appoint Acharya comes in accordance with the agreement between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, where UML will lead the government in Lumbini.
Acharya, a central member of the UML, secured his seat in the provincial assembly from Arghakhanchi (1) during the 2079 BS elections.
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