KATHMANDU, MAY 26

Former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal has stressed the need to forge national consensus for protection of the country's territory and borders.

'We should stand together firmly on the matter of national welfare. Such diplomatic policy is needed,' he said while participating in the meeting of the House of Representatives today.

'For this, the constitution should be a guideline,' he added.

The meeting discussed the policies and programmes of the government for the fiscal 2022-23.

In another context, Khanal, also the leader of the CPN (Unified Socialist), asserted that more leaders like Balendra Sah, a mayoral candidate in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City who is leading the vote count with a wide margin against his nearest rival, would emerge in the coming days, posing threat to the political parties if they failed to correct themselves.

He also underscored the need to unveil concrete policy for poverty alleviation and conservation of national properties as well as to focus on the operation of industries. 'Nepal is one of the world's most beautiful country in terms of tourism and natural beauty. Many religious tourists can be attracted by developing Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.'

Stating that the government had failed to bring progressive tax system through its policies and programmes, he stressed that those supporting socialism should focus on the issue.

A version of this article appears in the print on May 27, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.