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Nepal

NDF, CPN Maoist Centre to form electoral alliance: Minister Dev

NDF, CPN Maoist Centre to form electoral alliance: Minister Dev

By THT Online

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jitendra Narayan Dev speaks at an interaction programme in Kathmandu, on Wednesday, August 9, 2017. Courtesy: Reporters Club

KATHMANDU: Leader of Nepal Democratic Forum and Minister for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Jitendra Narayan Dev has said that the party would forge consensus with the CPN-Maoist Centre for electoral alliance for the upcoming third phase of local polls. The third phase of local level elections in eight district of province number 2 is slated for September 18. Speaking at an interaction programme organised in the Capital today, Minister Dev said the talks have already been initiated with the Maoist Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal. 'We would give priority to the Madhes-based political parties for electoral alliance for the upcoming elections in the province number 2,' Dev clarified. He further said NDF will compete by itself in its strong hold areas, however, electoral alliance would be formed to garner many victories. He also said that the government is preparing to tabled the constitution amendment bill at the House if the agitating parties Rastriya Janata Party Nepal is ready to accept the outcome of the Parliament. Minister Dev said that the government is ready to provide compensation to the victims family, provide medical treatment and withdrawal of cases against the madhesi cadres in a bid to bring the RJP-N for local polls. Similarly, Minister Dev also claimed that he had made a historic decision by making a polices for the government officials and politicians including President, Prime Ministers and among others for mandatory use of national flag carrier Nepal Airlines. He also warned to terminate the contract of the Pokhara Regional International Airport given to the China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd if they fail to expedite work before dashain festival. Earlier, the Chinese Company had assured the Minister that the project would be completed by July 10, 2021 during his field field in the Lake City. He also said that he has informed Chinese Ambassador to Nepal on this regard. Minister Dev confidently said that he would initiate the construction work of the Nighgard Airport in Bara. Speaking on a different note, Minister Dev said that the government is ready to provide support to the National Reconstruction Authority to expedite their reconstruction work in the world heritage sites in the Valley. Earlier, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba had appointed Jitendra Narayan Dev as Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation from Bijay Kumar Gachhadar-led party Nepal Democratic Forum in his Cabinet.