Nepal, Aug. 14 -- Sudurpaschim Province has a new chief minister, with Khag Raj Bhatta, leader of the Nepali Communist Party's provincial parliamentary party, appointed as the province's fifth chief minister.

Province Chief Nazir Miya appointed Bhatta to the post on Friday after he staked his claim to form the provincial government at the Office of the Province Chief earlier in the day.

Bhatta's claim was backed by CPN-UML parliamentary party leader and former Chief Minister Rajendra Singh Rawal. After Bhatta submitted his claim with the required support, Province Chief Miya appointed him chief minister.

Bhatta is scheduled to take the oath of office and secrecy on Friday. The ministers joining his cabinet are also scheduled to take t...