Ashta Laxmi Shakya is Nepal's first woman chief minister

KATHMANDU, August 19: For the very first time in Nepal’s history, a woman has been elected the chief minister (CM).

Ashta Laxmi Shakya, CPN-UML parliamentary party leader in Bagmati Province, was appointed the CM of the Province on Wednesday. This the first time that a woman has been appointed in the post of CM of a province since Nepal adopted federlaism through 2015 constitution.

Despite the change of CM in Lumbini and Gandaki Provinces time and again, only male leaders were appointed as the CMs. However, in Bagmati Province, a female leader has been given the opportunity to govern the province.

Astalaxmi has now been elected as the second CM of Bagmati Province.

Shakya was appointed CM of Bagmati Province after outgoing CM Dor Mani Poudel  resigned from his post on Wednesday.