NCP’s State-3 Assembly members in fix over State capital

-Ramesh Giri
Bhaktapur- State-3 Assembly members are in tight spot in terms of the announcement of its capital and name. It is caused so especially after the ruling Nepal Communist Party members are divided on these pressing issues.

The party whip issued some days back to fix capital city in Makwanpur and name the State as Bagmati State has further divided NCP’s members at State-3. Out of 13 districts in State-3, more than two thirds members from 11 districts have come up with the views that Hetauda was not proper place to make it the permanent capital city.

State Assembly member Sashi Jung Thapa said most of the State Assembly members were against Hetauda as the capital city, but preferred it to be Kavre. “Most of them are for Kavre. We had committed to making Kavre or Bhaktapur the capital city of State-3. But the party stand has come in opposition which created quandary,” he added.

Another Member Bashundhara Humagain said maneuver was going on within the NCP to campaign against Kavre as capital city. “If the party does not issue whip and constitutional rights exercised, more than two-thirds will vote for Kavre as capital city,” she argued, adding that they would vote for Kavre and create history.

Similarly, Laxman Lamsal viewed it was worrying to have separate meetings of different factions of the party. “We fight till the last moment to make Kavre the capital city,” he also stressed.
Moreover, Chandra Lama said he would register a proposal at State Assembly meeting, demanding Kavre as the capital city. “It is not necessary to follow the directive; there will be floor crossing in the voting,” he asserted.

However, another member Chetnath Sanjel viewed that discussion would be held to forge consensus decide on the capital of the State.