Biratnagar, February 27

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa today said the political mechanism formed by the government to resolve the issue of provincial boundaries would soon accomplish its task.

Speaking to journalists at Biratnagar Airport today, Thapa, who is also the coordinator of the mechanism, also expressed his willingness to step down as the coordinator of the mechanism, if needed.

“I accepted the post at the request of prime minister and am ready to step down if this is not acceptable to disgruntled Madhesi parties,” said Thapa.

He added, “Otherwise, the mechanism very soon will get a full shape and resolve dispute over provincial boundaries by taking the Madhesi parties into confidence.”

The government had formed the mechanism prior to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to India, to resolve the dispute over provincial boundaries.

The agitating United Democratic Madheshi Front has, however, taken exception to formation of the mechanism, saying it was formed without consulting them.

On a different note, Thapa clarified that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s India tour had no agenda other than removing misunderstanding between the two neighbours.

“In fact, the rumours about talks with the Indian leaders to revive the Hindu state during his trip are baseless as no such talks were held with the Indian leaders,” he claimed.

“PM’s tour was purely to remove the misunderstanding between the two countries and the visit has been successful on that front,” said DPM Thapa.