The country might go to local polls as per the old structure of the local bodies

Dhangadhi, December 8

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal today said the government would announce dates and schedule of local polls within a few days.

Stating that the constitution amendment bill registered at the Parliament had created a conducive environment for polls, Dahal expressed confidence that agitating parties, including the main opposition CPN-UML, would forge consensus for the polls.

Addressing a training programme for cadres of Province 7 at Kailali’s Dhangadi, Dahal argued that declaration of the election dates would end indecision. “The government will announce dates and schedule of local polls within a few days after I return to Kathmandu,” Dahal said. He held that announcement of election dates would give a new direction to the country.

Dahal said the amendment bill was of strategic importance. “This is an action to unify people of mountains, hills and the Tarai. The reaction resulting from this action will give new direction to the country,” Dahal said.

He added that three major parties  NC, UML and CPN-Maoist Centre  had no choice but to forge consensus to go to polls to give a new direction to the nation.

Dahal said special proposals from Rolpa’s Thawang, Bajhang’s Kanda and Jhapa’s few VDCs had delayed the submission of the report by the State Restructuring Commission. “If the dispute is not settled, the country might go to local polls as per the old structure of the local bodies,” Dahal said.

“Many parties want to name VDC as village assembly.

But, I am waiting for the commission’s report. Our party is ready to accept new nomenclature,” Dahal said.

On a different note, Dahal refuted CPN-UML’s accusation that the amendment bill was anti-national. He said his government had tabled the bill by slightly modifying the proposal brought by the NC and UML in the past. “The proposal to keep the hilly districts in hills and plain districts in the Tarai was mooted by the NC and the UML”, Dahal reminded.

UML Chair Oli and late NC president Sushil Koirala had signed the proposal. How come Oli and UML are nationalists and we are anti-nationals? Dahal questioned. This is nothing but dual character and treachery, Dahal noted.

PM Dahal made a field visit of Chameliya Hydro Project in Darchula. After inspection of its tunnel, Dahal directed the staff to complete the work at the earliest. He pledged to award the staff if they finished the project before deadline.