Okhaldhunga, February 12

CPN-UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai today urged Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to step down as the government had failed to conduct civic polls.

Talking to mediapersons at Okhaldhunga bazaar, Bhattarai said the incumbent government led by Dahal had failed to hold local polls. “Since holding civic polls is a must to implement the constitution, we should form a consensus government,” said Bhattarai. He said there was no point in PM Dahal occupying the post if the government was unable to hold civic polls.

Bhattarai made it clear that his party was not interested in the making and unmaking of the government. “If the current government cannot hold polls, PM Dahal has to pave the way for formation of a consensus government,” Bhattarai added.

He said civic polls should be held as per the new structures of local bodies determined by the Local Bodies Restructuring Commission. He also stressed on holding polls before amending the constitution. “The statute can be amended after civic polls,” said Bhattarai.

On a different note, Bhattarai warned that the Madhes-based parties’ refusal to participate in civic polls would benefit extremists like CK Raut. He requested Madhesi parties to forge an agreement on holding polls to give a way out to the country.