Jokh Bahadur Mahara of the ruling CPN (Maoist Centre) has been appointed chief minister of the Lumbini Province.

Mahara was sworn in to the post by Province Head Amik Sherchan on Friday as per Article 168 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

On Thursday, outgoing Chief Minister Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary resigned after his attempts to secure support of the provincial assembly failed.

After Chaudhary stepped down, the Maoist Centre leader staked claim to lead the new provincial government with the signatures of 48 provincial assembly members.

Support from 44 members in the 87-member assembly is required for forming a government.

A total of 27 CPN-UML assembly members, 10 of Maoist Centre, four of the Nagarik Unmukti Party, three from Janata Samajbadi Party, one from CPN (Unified Socialist) and one other independent member supported Mahara.