Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah threatens to seek alternative capital for Far Western Province

Dhangadhi– Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has issued a stark warning that he may pursue an alternative capital for Far Western Province if the federal government fails to make a timely decision regarding the state capital.

This ultimatum comes six years after Godavari was designated as the capital in Kailali, yet no significant progress has been made. On Ashoj 12, 2075, the First State Assembly approved Godavari Municipalities 2 and 4 as the state capital by a two-thirds majority. However, subsequent efforts to establish the capital have stalled, with the state government yet to acquire necessary land.

During a recent meeting of the Provincial Development Problem Solution Committee, Shah expressed frustration over the lack of action from the federal government despite multiple requests for clarity and support. He indicated that if no resolution is reached, he will take decisive action in the upcoming state assembly session.

Shah highlighted that previous attempts to move the capital forward, including land acquisition studies conducted under former Chief Minister Trilochan Bhatt, have not materialized. Although documents were prepared for acquiring 341 hectares of land in the Teghri Community Forest, the federal government has yet to grant ownership.

The ongoing delays have prompted calls for accountability, as the constitutional mandate for capital designation lies with the Provincial Assembly. Shah reiterated his commitment to move forward, stating, "If there is no decision from the federal level, I will make a suitable decision in the next session." As tensions rise over the stalled capital issue, local leaders and citizens alike await the government's response, concerned about the implications for development and governance in the region.