POKHARA: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Kamal Thapa on Friday informed that the government was planning to hold local polls as soon as possible.

Speaking at a programme in Pokhara today, Thapa stated that the government would consult major political parties to further the local election process.

Thapa was in Pokhara of Kaski district to inaugurate a bridge constructed over Bijayapur Khola that connects two VDCs of the district.

''For more than 18 years, people have not been able to choose their representatives, affecting the development of infrastructures. However, the next step of the government after the promulgation of new Constitution is to conduct elections at local level," informed Thapa.

Due to the Maoist insurgency, the devastating earthquake last year, the Madhes agitation and the order blockade recently has led the nation back to twenty years ago, said Thapa.

However, the blockade and the agitation of Madhesi parties were soon going to be resolved. After that, all people should unite and move for the economic development of the country, he called.

The country should move  democratically together with the implementation of Constitution, he said, adding it can be amended anytime if need be.