National Assembly Member Narayan Dutt Bhatt Criticizes Government Neglect of Far-Western Region Development

Kathmandu. National Assembly member Narayan Dutt Bhatt has said that the government has completely neglected the development of the Sudurpashchim Province. He strongly objected to the government's policy, stating that the budget allocation was not distributed equitably. Speaking in the National Assembly meeting on Friday, MP Bhatt claimed that the budget allocated for Sudurpashchim is neither balanced nor timely. MP Bhatt said that the government has shown no interest in implementing the agreement reached during former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's visit to India regarding making the Gaufanta, the main trade gateway of Sudurpashchim, an international gateway. He accused the government of ignoring the immense potential of the tourist and natural areas of Sudurpashchim. He expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the budget is silent on the promotion of important areas like Khaptad, Ramarosan, Badimalika, and Khanidanda. Similarly, he mentioned that the roads and bridges under the Hulaki Highway have been in a dilapidated condition for the past six years, yet no attention has been paid to their maintenance. Targeting the government's working style and the ministers' statements, MP Bhatt commented that there is extreme arrogance in the current government. He strongly criticized the tendency of new political forces to abuse all past achievements and individuals by calling them 35 years old. Speaking on the issue of money laundering and investigation, he emphasized that the law should be equal for everyone. Speaking in Parliament, Bhatt said, 'If the Gaufanta border crossing is not developed as an international border, there is a danger that the condition of Dhangadhi market will be like that of Bhadrapur. Although the government talks about equality in development, the size and distribution of the budget are not equitable. If the people from before 35 years ago had not worked, you would not be in the position of ministers and prime ministers today. It is not logical for those who have reached their current responsibilities standing on the foundation of the old system to only curse the past. It is not just to say that new people are not subject to the law and only old people are dragged into money laundering. If we are to investigate property, let's start with our own generation and family; the law does not distinguish between new and old.' MP Bhatt cautioned the government to adhere to the constitution, laws, and procedures and urged it to fulfill the promises made to the people. He stated that democratic institutions and physical structures must be respected, and warned the government that if it does not accept the existence of others, its own existence will have no justification.