We could not work as much as we thought – Lal Babu Raut

JANAKPURDHAM: Madhesh Chief Minister Lal Babu Raut, who is about to retire after a five-year term, held a press conference on Wednesday and stated that naming the state and permanent capital was the main achievement.

Chief Minister Raut has admitted that he has not been able to fulfill the commitment he made when taking the oath of office.

‘Perhaps he did not work as hard as he wanted,’ he explained. But I always made an effort to do it.’

He stated that it was only with the opposition’s support that the state’s name was able to be named on the basis of identity and the permanent capital was designated.

‘The opposition party also always helped,’ he said while bringing the budget five times, four times it was passed unanimously. This has also been regarded as a success by me.’

He stated that they were unable to work as expected due to issues such as the province’s new structure, a lack of staff, the transfer of existing staff within 6 months, a lack of infrastructure, and so on.

“The chief secretary is the seventh in the chief minister’s office,” he explained, “and it is the same in all ministries.” The transfer was completed before the secretary arrived and became acquainted with the environment and conditions here. This also caused a major issue.’

He stated that the opposition has support in passing laws such as the Police Act and the State Civil Act. ‘The opposition has helped me more than what I have gained in these five years of experience,’ he said.

He mentioned that whoever becomes the leader of the government will not have to deal with the same issues that he did.

‘There was no physical structure,’ he said. There was no automobile. The car broke down on the way to Kathmandu in Tinkune. I had to walk down. The new Chief Minister will not face such difficulties.’

He has constructed the necessary structures and expressed his confidence that the work he began and the offices he established will be successful regardless of who comes now, Raut explained.

He expressed hope that the next government would continue the efforts to transform society, women, Dalits, tribals, and Muslims.

“Based on arithmetic, we are at the third number,” he said, “and now it is up to whoever forms the government.” As we have brought laws for societal transformation, Dalit and women’s rights, and those who are oppressed. Allow it to be implemented.’

He further said that the party’s decision to join the government will be made soon. He stated that if the opportunity to form a government presents itself in the current situation, the party will not be left behind.

-Sibendra Rohita