Gandaki Province: Khagraj Adhikari sworn in as Chief Minister

GANDAKI: In a ceremonial function held on Sunday, newly appointed Chief Minister Khagraj Adhikari, along with two other ministers, took the oath of office and secrecy administered by Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatta.

The event also witnessed the swearing-in of Hari Bahadur Chuman and Rajeev Gurung as ministers without portfolio. Chuman, representing CPN (Maoist Centre), and Gurung, an independent candidate, pledged their commitment to their duties.

Province Chief Bhatta appointed Adhikari, the leader of the CPN (UML) parliamentary party, to the Chief Minister's position, in line with Clause (2) of Article 168 of the constitution.

Adhikari secured the CM post with the support of 22 UML Province Assembly members, along with eight from the Maoist Centre and one Independent, reflecting a coalition-backed leadership.

With these appointments, the province gears up for a new phase under the leadership of Adhikari and his team, as they embark on their responsibilities to serve the people of Gandaki Province.