KATHMANDU: Minister of State for Federal Affairs and Local Development Kunti Kumari Shahi stated on Friday that the government has started preparations for local elections with a mission to hold them at the earliest.

Speaking at an interaction organised by Rafat Media Club in Bhaktapur today, Minister Shahi said the elections were delayed because the voice for them did not reach the concerned parties earlier.

She also informed that the Ministry is soon launching the one-month “People’s  Constitution” drive to spread awareness among people about their rights by delivering the statute in their own mother tongues.

Meanwhile, Shahi said the government will not address all demands of the protesting United Democratic Madhesi Front for the sole reason that they are pressurising the government by blocking the borders.

She also opined that the relationship between Nepal and India will worsen further post the Sashastra Seema Bal firing incident that injured four Nepali citizens on Tuesday.

The Indian Embassy has been requested to take actions against the culprit, she added.

Shahi also shared that the government will soon conclude its post-quake reconstruction works and take initiatives to make the country independent in the very near future.