JHAPA:  Former Industry Minister Mahesh Basnet on Wednesday praised Prime  Minister KP Sharma Oli for his firm stand on the Madhes agitation and  the blockade.

“In fact, it was because of the firm stance of our prime  minister vis-à-vis the Madhes agitation and the blockade that promoted  nationalist sentiments in the heart of the Nepalis, which further served  to embolden nationalism,” Basnet said.

“Though there are some  criticisms, it was due to the awareness of the government that the  country was saved,” the UML leader further said.

He also dwelt on the contribution of Nepali migrant workers to the national economy through remittance.