Loktantrik Forum to form poll alliance with Maoist Center: Minister Dev
National pride projects to be highly prioritized
KATHMANDU, Aug 9: Minster for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jitendra Narayan Dev has said that Nepal Loktantrik Forum shall form poll alliance with the CPN (Maoist Center) in upcoming third round of local level election scheduled in Province 2.
“We are prioritizing Madhes-centric parties for the election alliance. If not, then we will forge alliance with the Maoist Center to contest in the local polls,” said Minster Dev while speaking during an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Wednesday.
“We are hoping to win more seats in province 2,” he added.
“But we will not for alliance with any parties in those local levels where we are confident of winning,” he added.
The Minister further said that the government is serious to address the genuine demands of the agitating Rastirya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN). He added that the under-discussion constitution amendment proposal will be put to vote immediately if the RJPN promises to accept the result whatsoever.
He furthered that the next cabinet meeting is preparing to address the other demands of RJPN. RJPN has demanded that the government drop criminal charges filed against RJPN cadres, compensate those injured in the protest and give martyrdom status to those killed during the Madhes movement, including constitution amendment.
On the occasion, Minster Yadav also expressed his commitment that he would highly prioritize the five national pride projects under the ministry.
The five projects that fall under the ministry are construction of second international airport at Nijgadh in Bara, Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, regional international Airport in Pokhara and implementation and acceleration of plans and programs of the Pashupati Area Development Trust and Lumbini Development Trust.
He said that the Ministry has already directed the authorities concerned to expedite the construction of Pokhara airport which is expected to complete in July 2020. “The contractors have already reached the construction site. It will complete in time,” he added.
Likewise, Minister Dev also said that he had already started initiation for the construction of second international airport at Nijgadh which has been stalled for the past 22 years. The airport was due to be completed by December 2018, but no construction works have been carried out so far.
“We have already worked out a six-point decision concerning the construction of the airport. The cabinet meeting is preparing to endorse it on Thursday,” added the minister.
Similarly he also said Bhairahawa airport will also be completed in time.
Minister Dev further said that he has directed the authorities to speed up the reconstruction of the national heritage sites damaged by the 2015 earthquake.