Basyal had been invited to Pokhara to inaugurate Pokhara Unity Life Hospital at 9 am.
To make matters worse, a locked main gate greeted the minister when he reached the hospital. The hospital staff had taken a celebratory rally to Amar Singh Chaur. Without losing his composure, the minister along with his security entourage instead headed for the place and joined in the celebrations there, which had then turned into a mass meeting.
The organizers, themselves embarrassed by the entire episode, then asked him to light a lamp to inaugurate the function. The hungry minister was then taken to Mona Lisa Hotel by the organizers for a hearty lunch.
Earlier, President of the hospital management committee Kashiram Prasad Gurung had himself cut the red ribbon at the hospital as the minister had failed to turn up on time. “We had made arrangements for live telecast of the program through television channels. So, we couldn´t wait for him,” Gurung reasoned.
The whole episode, however, could not dampen the spirits of the minister who also found time to visit the regional hospital, despite it being a Saturday, and Bindhyabasini temple.
The episode left the security agencies stretched to ensure security for the minister.
“We had mobilized around 60 persons, including 10 each in the two vehicles, that were used to escort the minister,” said a police officer. The officer said local security agencies faced difficulty making arrangements for ministers who make visits for petty reasons.
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