JHAPA: Minister for Local Development Purna Kumar Sherma today said there would not be any immediate change in the functioning of the local bodies.

Talking to mediapersons at a meet organised by the Jhapa chapter of Nepal

Press Union in Birtamod, Sherma said, "Mechanism formed including parties contesting the Constituent Assembly polls as per Article 139 of the constitution will continue to operate the local bodies."

Asked about NC president Girija Prasad Koirala's

objection to revise party statute, Sherma said, "Koirala expressed his denial over the provision of the nomination of members in the statute."

He said amending the statute was a must to incorporate the issues of republic, federalism and inclusiveness. Sherma said the government was supported by 22 parties and would not topple at the call of any particular party.

"The Unified CPN-Maoist needs to understand that armed and violent agitations bear no fruit," the minister opined.

He had visited the district to study the situation of the flood-hit areas including the loss and diseases in the camps for the displaced. He said the government was preparing to provide relief to the flood victims.