Rautahat, March 22
Protests are under way at two local levels in Rautahat over allegation of irregularities.
In Garuda Municipality, youths led by Depak Yadav have started a hunger strike accusing Mayor Kanthamuni Jayasawal of committing irregularities by appointing over 150 staff on contract basis, by sidestepping the formal process.
The strike entered the third day today, and though the mayor and chief administrative officer Bhudev Jha are said to have assured the protesters they will fulfil their demands, the protesters have refused to stop. Speaking about the strike, agitator Yadav said they were compelled to resort to the strike. "There are clear indications that the mayor indulged in irregularities. When we rightfully asked for information, they snubbed us, which is why we had to start this strike," he said, adding the strike would continue until the mayor provides them with the information sought.
In another case, former mayor with the support of five parties have been staging a relay hunger strike in Brindaban Municipality, accusing Mayor Binod Prasad Kurmi of increasing financial burden on the municipality by misusing his office. Today is the second day of the relay strike. Along with former mayor Ramsnehi Yadav, leader of other political parties, including CPN-UML, CPN-MC and Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal leaders are participating in the strike.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 23, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
