SURKHET, Feb19: Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, chief minister of Province 6, has formed a seven-member cabinet in Surkhet. The cabinet formation took place on Sunday after a delay due to differences over two ruling parties -CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) over ministerial portfolio allocation.
CM Shahi appointed ministers after central leaders of the two left parties settled the disputes of portfolio allocation on Saturday itself.
Light rain expected in most parts of the country today
As per understanding reached between senior party leaders, Maoist leader Naresh Bhandari has been appointed as internal affairs and law minister while Bimala KC has got the portfolio of land management, agriculture and cooperative minister. Bhandari was elected from Jumla while KC represents Rukum.
Similarly, Prakash Jwala of CPN-UML has been appointed as financial affairs and planning minister, Khadga Khatri as physical infrastructure development minister and Nanda Singh Budha as industry, tourism, forest and environment minister. Dal Rawal of the same party has been appointed social development minister.
Governor Durga Keshar Khanal administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly-appointed ministers in the presence of CM Shahi.
