Kathmandu— Khaga Raj Bhatta, parliamentary party leader of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) in Sudurpaschim Province, was appointed as the province's Chief Minister on Monday. The appointment, made by Province Chief Najir Miya under Article 168 (2) of the Constitution, comes after former Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah resigned due to a change in power-sharing arrangements. Bhatta is now the fifth individual to hold the position of Chief Minister for Sudurpaschim Province.

Political Shift in Sudurpaschim

The resignation of Kamal Bahadur Shah signaled a realignment within the province’s political landscape, paving the way for Bhatta's appointment. The change reflects ongoing negotiations and adjustments to power-sharing agreements among Nepal’s political parties at the provincial level.

The Sudurpaschim Province Assembly currently comprises 52 members, with representation from several key parties: 22 from the Nepali Communist Party, 11 from the CPN (UML), 18 from the Nepali Congress, and one from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party.

Constitutional Basis for Appointment

The appointment of Bhatta adheres to Nepal’s constitutional framework. Article 168 (2) of the Constitution provides the legal basis for the Province Chief to appoint a Chief Minister who commands a majority in the provincial assembly.

Bhatta's tenure as Chief Minister is expected to focus on addressing the priorities and challenges facing Sudurpaschim Province, though specific policy directions remain to be outlined.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.