KATHMANDU: A new government is being established in Sudurpaschim Province today, following the resignation of Chief Minister Dirgha Sodari. Province Chief Najir Miya has given until 5 pm on Sunday for the formation of the new government.

According to the recently signed Nepali Congress-UML coalition agreement, the Nepali Congress will appoint the new Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province. The party intends to nominate a candidate for Chief Minister today, with the CPN-UML's support.

The provincial assembly of Sudurpaschim comprises 53 members. To secure a majority, the incoming Chief Minister needs support from at least 27 MPs. The Nepali Congress has 18 MPs, and the UML has 11, which together provide a majority. It is also expected that the Nagarik Unmukti Party will back the coalition by this evening.

Three Nepali Congress candidates are competing for the Chief Minister position, but Kamal Bahadur Shah, the leader of the parliamentary party, is considered the frontrunner. The other candidates, Prakash Deuba and Bahadur Singh Thapa, have agreed to support Shah, who has already been instructed by Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to prepare for the role.