Nepal, April 8 -- In a clear breach of the Supreme Court's precedent and the spirit of the Constitution of Nepal, Khagaraj Adhikari, a CPN-UML provincial assembly member, on Sunday became the chief minister in Gandaki.

Province head Dilliraj Bhatta appointed Adhikari to the position as per Article 168 (2) of the Constitution after he staked a claim for the chief ministerial position with the support of a majority of provincial assembly members including the Speaker.

Adhikari presented the support of 31 members-22 from his party, eight from the CPN (Maoist Centre) and an independent member. The eight from the Maoist Centre include Speaker Krishna Prasad Dhital. Support of 31 members is required for minimum majority in the 60-strong provi...