Apart from these works, have you done anything that directly changed people’s lives?
We have started several programs. For instance, this government has started an agricultural development program, where access roads are being built in some rural areas of the province to provide market access to local farmers and their products. The construction of Triveni-Dumkibas road connecting Chitwan National Park with Korala (along the border with China) has also started. Besides, preparations are underway to acquire public land in Pokhara for the construction of provincial government office buildings. To date, none of the government offices in Pokhara, the provincial headquarters, have their buildings. We still lack many laws and policies to function as an independent province, be it for managing our resources and finances, setting up our own industrial zone, or recruiting employees. So, I have requested the federal government to revise some of the laws and provisions such as the Federal Public Service Act, the topic of 'Mutual Rights' enlisted in the Constitution, and the Financial Act. You listed many achievements and works in progress under your government. But how do you defend the allegation that rather than doing your job, you are busy attending events and functions most of the time? These are baseless allegations. In these past four months, I have hardly attended half a dozen programs during office hours. Some programs I did participate in, but during my off hours. If anything, I have been trying to lead by example by utilizing my office time being productive and trying to run the government efficiently. Do you have any special vision for Pokhara? We all know that Pokhara is endowed with immense natural resources. Preserving and taking advantage of these resources at the same time is a major priority for me. For this, I have come up with ‘Lake Authority Procedures’ that covers a lot of areas including lake conservation. Another task is to connect international flights with Pokhara and bolster the city’s tourism. The other important jobs pertains to managing the regional bus park, developing and improving the road network, running well-managed industrial areas, and establishing a university. You are set to go seek a trust vote from the Provincial Assembly this month, are you confident about securing your job as the chief minister? I had assumed office with the intent of completing a full term. But, I am also willing to go through the procedures that are required of me to lead the government of Gandaki province. If my works so far are to be considered, I will get the required vote of trust to continue this job. But one must also factor in the political equation, things like how the parties will align. If I win the vote of confidence, I will serve this province selflessly. Even if I don’t win, my party and I will support the government in a constructive way.
