Biratnagar, May 15:

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Rajendra Mahato has expressed regret for instigation of debate following an alleged controversial comment which he has claimed he did not make.

In a press meet organised here, he stressed that the media should help calm down the situation and said the debate spiraled as the media did put the matter in proper context. Stating that truth would be revealed if one monitors the video tape of his statement, Minister Mahato said that the PM had advised him that it might have become appropriate if he had spoken by consulting the concerned minister.

Stating that the essence of the people’s movement was proportionate inclusion in the system of governance, he said his party had been committed to the system of governance that would have proportionate inclusion of Madhesis for the past 15 years.

Stating that the Nepal Oil Corporation suffered losses because it could not adjust the price of petroleum products in the past four years, he said the price of the fuel would not be increased before CA polls.

He said transaction of petroleum products would be made open to the private sector after the business of cooking gas is handed over to them.