Kathmandu : Demanding the removal of Lumbini Chief Minister Shankar Pokharel, the opposition alliance has handed over the signatures of the majority MPs to the provincial chief Amik Sherchan.

The opposition coalition has signed a petition calling for the removal of Pokhrel and the formation of a government under Article 168 (2) of the constitution.

MPs from Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Center), JSP and Rastriya Janamorcha reached the provincial headquarters and handed over their signatures.

Pokhrel, a leader of the UML parliamentary party, was appointed chief minister under Article 168 of the constitution.

Opposition parties have stated they will not run in the by-elections, as Pokhrel has lost a single majority.

Opposition alliance has proposed to appoint Kul Prasad KC (Sonam) of the CPN (Maoist) as the Chief Minister. There are 80 members in the provincial assembly, excluding the three lawmakers who were taken action by JSP.

However, the three lawmakers in action are preparing to go to the Supreme Court.