SURKHET, July 29 : Newly appointed Karnali Province Chief Minister Mangal Bahadur Shahi took the oath of office and secrecy on Wednesday without any ministers, after coalition partners failed to reach an agreement on the distribution of ministerial portfolios.
Province Chief Yagya Raj Joshi administered the oath at a ceremony held in Surkhet.
Cabinet expansion in Karnali Province: Five new ministers sworn...
Shahi was appointed chief minister on Tuesday under Article 168(2) of Nepal’s Constitution with the support of the CPN-UML.
Despite assuming office, Shahi was unable to expand the Council of Ministers as negotiations over the allocation of ministries and responsibilities among coalition partners remain unresolved.
Sources said ministers will be appointed and the provincial cabinet expanded only after the parties finalize a power-sharing agreement.
