Allegation against Adhikari baseless: PM
Kathmandu, March 1
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today said the allegation of irregularities against late Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari in the procurement of Nepal Airlines Corporation’s wide-body aircraft was baseless.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Party meeting of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) in Baneshwor, he said, “Some negative elements have levelled allegations of irregularities against him in the wide-body aircraft purchase deal. He was totally innocent as the deal was made before he became the minister,” Oli told the meeting.
PM Oli said negative elements were spreading rumours against the government. The Parliamentary Accounts Committee had recommended taking action against the tourism minister and secretaries in connection with the wide-body aircraft purchase deal.
PM Oli said Adhikari had done an outstanding job in the civil aviation sector. “He was actively pushing to complete construction of Bhairahawa airport before the deadline. He had also expedited work on Pokhara airport and was working on the construction of proposed Nijgadh airport,” he said, adding that the late minister was successfully carrying out his responsibilities.
The prime minister said Adhikari was also planning to upgrade Janakpur airport for operation of both day and night flights within two months. He had also planned to expand Biratnagar and Dhangadi airports, according to the PM.
PM Oli said the minister had gone to Chuhandanda, Terhathum, to study the feasibility of constructing an airport there.
According to PM Oli, Minister Adhikari was planning to visit Germany yesterday to observe Munich International Airport so that a sister airport could be established in Nepal.
PM Oli also said Ang Chhiring Sherpa was the icon of tourism sector who had also contributed to Nepal’s democratic movement.
PM Oli said the family members of those killed in the chopper crash in Taplejung would get support from the government as per necessity. “The government will assess their difficulties and provide support to family members as per necessity,” he said.
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