Oli government could earn a PhD in spreading confusion: Balen Shah

Kathmandu, March 3 — Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah today took to Facebook to strongly criticize the federal government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, addressing several misconceptions and pointing out the government's inefficiencies.

He first dismantled the misleading claim that he approved the map for View Tower, clarifying that such decisions are solely within the jurisdiction of the executive body of the metropolis, not the mayor.

Shah emphasized that, according to the law, map approvals are the responsibility of the executive body, and public-private partnerships are empowered by them.

He also highlighted that multiple meetings were held over the last two months to discuss map approval, directly contradicting the rumors.

Shah then turned his attention to the issue of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)'s stability within his administration.

He pointed out that during his tenure, four CAOs were removed, two of whom were involved in corruption.

He criticized the federal government for failing to support the removal of corrupt officials, instead blaming the metropolis for the instability in the executive body.

He called out the government's lack of transparency, noting that two CAOs were removed without even informing the metroplois, and claimed that the government’s attempt to protect corrupt officials was a major obstacle to progress.

Mayor Shah also took aim at the federal government's inability to effectively manage its employees, citing an incident where a government employee refused to work in Kathmandu metropolis.

He questioned how the government, which cannot control its own staff, could claim to bring prosperity to the country.

Shah warned that if the federal government can't even manage its employees, it would be powerless in addressing crises or preventing crime, further undermining its legitimacy.

He also responded to rumors about administrative appointments, pointing out that mayors do not have the authority to appoint administrative heads on their own.

Referring to the Local Governance Operation Act, 2017, Shah criticized the federal government for failing to fulfill its constitutional duty by appointing a CAO.

Instead, he claimed, the government was deflecting blame and spreading misinformation by accusing the mayor of overstepping his role.

In addressing accusations regarding the concealment of investigation reports, Shah confirmed that the reports had not yet been completed, rejecting the idea that they were being hidden.

He also attacked the federal government for its lack of proper coordination with local governments, stressing that true coordination should occur through official channels, not personal or informal networks.

He emphasized that his office had repeatedly contacted ministers and followed the correct procedures, yet the federal government had failed to respond meaningfully.

In his closing remarks, Mayor Shah sharply criticized Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his government, stating that they were not working as true partners in development.

He called on the federal government to set aside biases and engage in genuine collaboration for the betterment of the people.

Shah vowed to continue his fight against corruption and ensure good governance in Kathmandu, stating that no matter how much the federal government tries to obstruct progress, he would not back down from his mission to ensure accountability and transparency.