Rajbiraj, January 18

Leaders of different political parties today expressed discontent with the report of the Local Bodies Restructuring Commission at an all party meeting in Saptari.

Holding a press meet soon after the meeting, they condemned the LBRC’s report calling it impractical, unscientific and against the sentiments of the local people. They have demanded that it be revoked at the earliest.

Nepali Congress Saptari President Dinesh Kumar Yadav said it was unscientific and impractical. He added that the leaders would appeal to their respective parties and the government for a review.

Federal Socialist Forum Nepal District Chairperson Dinesh Yadav charged the committee of preparing the report without consulting local stakeholders. “This report doesn’t settle the problem of Saptari as it seems it was prepared from a star hotel based in Kathmandu. The report has been prepared completely on geographical grounds and ignores the population. Hence, it has failed to encompass the concept of proportional representation and inclusion,” he argued. He further argued that it was not scientific to restructure local bodies and prepare for the polls at a time when federalism was yet to be institutionalised. He expressed dissatisfaction with the number of village assemblies and municipalities of Saptari.  “Saptari has the highest number of VDCs across the country. The number of village assembly and municipalities should also be fixed proportionally,” he demanded.

District leaders of all parties except the main opposition CPN-UML were present at the meeting. Earlier, CPN-Maoist Centre lawmakers from the district Ashok Kumar Mandal and Man Pur Chaudhary had vehemently questioned the report during a House meeting yesterday.

‘Ensure Madhes rights to execute statute’

Rajbiraj, January 18

Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party Chairman Mahendra Raya Yadav has ruled out chances of statute implementation without ensuring rights to the Madhes.

Speaking at a programme in Lahan, Siraha  today, Yadav criticised the major political parties for promulgating the constitution unilaterally.

“Back then, the major parties issued the statute without addressing the concerns of Madhes. They are still not serious about rectifying the past mistake,” he said, adding there was no option but a stern agitation if the Madhes is not granted its rights through statute amendment.

On his part, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party General Secretary Jangilal Raya dwelt on the sacrifice the Madhes has made in the course of its struggle for rights. “If the charter fails to ensure the rights of the Madhes, the Madhes doesn’t necessarily have to feel the obligation to own such a document,” said Raya. He further called on the Madhesi populace to be ready for agitation if rights are granted.

The leaders spoke on the occasion of the 10th Balidani Diwas that Madhes-based parties marked today to commemorate the death of Ramesh Mahato of Siraha during the first Madhes agitation about 10 years ago.