BIRATNAGAR, March 5: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has claimed that the agitating Madhes-based parties will participate in the local election as the government has increased the number of local units as demanded by the disgruntled parties. He was speaking at the convocation ceremony of Purbanchal University in Biratnagar on Sunday.
The government had earlier formed a taskforce to recommend suggestions to address the Madhes-based parties' demand for revision in the delineation of local units' in Tarai-Madhes region. The taskforce led by minister for local development has already finalized its report.
PM Dahal pointed out that the government has already finalized the report, increasing the number of local units with clear demarcation.
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“By addressing their demands, we are trying our best to convince the Madhes-based alliance to take part in the election. I want to assure that there will be an environment for Madhes-based parties to join the election,” said PM Dahal, expressing confidence that the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) will participate in the election.
“Amendment is not necessary for holding local election as the provisions included in the amendment bill are related with the central and provincial elections and not with the local polls,” he added.
Stating that the government is holding talks with the CPN-UML and UDMF for constitution amendment, he reaffirmed that the election would not be postponed at any cost. He further added that UML's Mechi-Mahakali campaign will also help create environment for the election and assured that the government is serious about providing security to the campaign.
“We are also holding talks with UML and UDMF regarding security issue during the campaign. Just earlier this morning, I discussed the issue with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi,” he said.
PM Dahal also dismissed the 'rumors' that the government is going to be changed ahead of the local election. “The current government will hold the local election on time and announce the provincial election immediately thereafter,” he said.
