Gandaki province Cabinet expansion: UML secures four ministerial posts

Pokhara, September 2 – Plans are underway to expand the cabinet in Gandaki Province. During a cabinet meeting on Sunday, it was decided to create nine new ministries by dividing the existing ones. As a result, the UML party will have four ministerial positions.

Chief Minister Surendraraj Pandey announced that the cabinet expansion will proceed once the UML provides the names of the new ministers. The party is currently finalizing these names. Party leader Khagaraj Adhikari traveled to Kathmandu on Saturday for this purpose and has since returned to Pokhara.

Officials have confirmed that none of the new ministers will be individuals who have previously held ministerial roles. Therefore, all four new ministers are expected to be new faces.

Although the UML has not provided specific criteria for selecting the new ministers, the selection process will aim to ensure a balance of geography, caste, and gender.

Party leaders have indicated that Padmaa GC Shrestha will be included in the government. Krishna Pathak from Baglung, Prakash KC from Kaski, and Mitralal Basyal from Parbat are also expected to become ministers. Discussions are still ongoing regarding their specific responsibilities.