Kathmandu, May 4:

Minister for Physical Planning and Works, Hisila Yami, today said all achievements of the second Jana Andolan will go in vain if constituent assembly polls are not held on time.

“Dalit women will be the first to launch third Jana Andolan if the CA polls are not held on time,” she said. Speaking at a function, Yami said status of Dalits will not improve unless they get into power. “Until members of the Dalit community are represented in parliament and occupy powerful positions in the army and parties, lollypop offered by NGOs and INGOs will not empower Dalits.”

Binod Pahadi, chairperson, Dalit Journalists’ Association, said presence of Dalits in parliament will be meaningless if they cannot press the government to make decisions for uplift of Dalits.

He sought a probe into embezzlement of funds provided by donors for the welfare of Dalits. Though MPs Samjhana Bishwokarma, Uma Bishwokarmaa, Rupa Bishwokarma, Saraswoti Mahara, Anjana Bisankhe and Rima Nepali — were to be feted at the function, Rima Nepali alone attended it. Yami handed over a letter of appreciation to Nepali.