Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Karki on Friday expanded his Cabinet, inducting five new ministers and two state ministers.

Province Head Parshuram Khapung administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed ministers from the CPN-UML and the CPN (Maoist Centre).

UML’s Lila Ballabh Adhikari has taken office as the Minister for Internal Affairs and Law while Ekraj Karki was appointed the minister for water supply, irrigation and energy. Panchakarna Rai has been handed the portfolio of the Ministry of Social Development while Srijana Rai has been appointed minister at the Office of the Chief Minister.

Rajendra Kumar Karki of the Maoist Centre will head the Health Ministry. Similarly, Narayan Burja Magar and Bandana Jhagad have been appointed the minister and minister of state for Tourism, Forest and Environment, respectively.

Karki was appointed chief minister as per Article 168 (5) of the constitution after he staked claim to the post with the support of 52 lawmakers earlier on May 9. The support of 47 lawmakers is needed for a majority to form the government in the 93-strong assembly.

He also formed a Council of Ministers by appointing UML leader Ram Bahadur Rana Magar and CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Ganesh Uprety, who will head the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning and Physical Infrastructure Ministry, respectively.