Khagraj Bhatta, leader of the Nepali Communist Party’s parliamentary party in Sudurpaschim Province, was sworn in as chief minister on Friday, marking the formation of a new provincial government.

Province chief Nazir Miya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Bhatta.

Bhatta was appointed chief minister with the support of the CPN-UML. Four UML lawmakers have joined the new Cabinet, with Santosh Kumari Thapa Sharma appointed social development minister, Chakra Malla finance minister, Daman Bhandari minister for land management, agriculture and cooperatives, and Janaki Air Bom minister of state for finance.

The names of ministers from Bhatta’s Party have yet to be finalised.

Bhatta’s predecessor, Kamal Bahadur Shah, resigned on Thursday after losing his majority in the provincial assembly. The UML withdrew its support for Shah on July 15, leaving his government in the minority.

Shah had been appointed chief minister for a second term on August 4, 2024.

The change in Sudurpaschim follows an agreement between CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli and Nepal Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal on July 25 to share power in the provinces.