KATHMANDU: Khagaraj Adhikari, the parliamentary party leader of CPN-UML, has officially been appointed as the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province.

Adhikari’s appointment follows his claim to the position, supported by 31 lawmakers, including 22 from CPN-UML, eight from the Maoist Center (including the Speaker), and Independent lawmaker Deepak Manange.

Province Chief Dilli Raj Bhatta appointed Adhikari to the post in accordance with Article 168(2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

Out of the 60 members in the provincial assembly, Nepali Congress holds 27 seats, with two belonging to the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).