Construction Entrepreneurs Federation Condemns Balen Shah's Remarks, Demands Public Apology

Kathmandu. The Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal (FCAN) has expressed serious objection to the recent statement made by senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen Shah, targeting construction entrepreneurs.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, the Federation demanded that Shah issue a public apology immediately, stating that his remarks have insulted more than 30,000 construction entrepreneurs across the country.

The FCAN labeled Shah's statement, made during an election rally in Dhangadhi on Falgun 6, as "indecent, anarchic, and provocative." Shah had commented on delays in construction work, saying that roads must be built whether by "tying entrepreneurs to a tree, making them sleep on the road, or locking them in a cage."

The Federation stated that the main reason for delays in development construction is not solely the entrepreneurs, but also the country's impractical laws and the government's policy weaknesses.

It was noted that a responsible leader with a technical background using such threatening language for cheap popularity without understanding the facts is also a violation of the election code of conduct.

Furthermore, the Federation informed that approximately 30,000 projects across the country are currently stalled due to the government's short-sighted policies. The Federation claims that although projects worth over Rs 650 billion are pending with the state, the government lacks the financial capacity and assured resources to complete them.

Given the well-established fact that existing laws and regulations in the country hinder development construction, the Federation strongly demands an immediate public apology from a responsible official of a responsible party for the statement that belittled more than 30,000 construction entrepreneurs on the eve of the election.

The Federation has also drawn the attention of the Election Commission to take serious note of such indecent and provocative speeches and issue appropriate directives.