CPN-UML leader and former Minister for Information and Communications Sherdhan Rai has been appointed as chief minister of Province 1.

Province Chief Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang handed over the appointment letter to Rai on Wednesday.

The appointment of Chief Minister has paved the way for the formation of state government in Province 1.

Rai was appointed as the chief minister, according to Article 168 (1) of the Constitution.

Earlier, Rai was elected as Parliamentary Party leader defeating Bhim Acharya of the party with a margin of two votes. Rai had a support of CPN (Maoist Centre).

The Province Office has decided to administer the oath of office and secrecy to Rai at 3 pm in Birendra City Hall on Thursday.

Province Chief Govinda Bahadur Tumbahang will administer the oath to Rai.

Preparations are underway to form a small Cabinet tomorrow itself.

After being elected as the chief minister, Rai said that he will control corruption and maintain good governance in the province.

Rai claimed that he will make province 1 a model federal state.